Tom Brott  

Pumpkin Spiced Bear by Tom Brott

October 2026 - Pumpkin Spiced Bear

About the Image(s)

This image was taken several years ago on my way to a favorite rookery area to check out early in the season. It was right after Thanksgiving and I saw this bear crossing the road with something in it's mouth. I thought I would repost it as there is humor to a serious environmental issue. I got several images one with the front feet completely showing but I like this better because you can plainly read "PUMPKIN SPICED MARSHMALLOWS" on the package it is carrying away. The environmental problem is that people are not using bear proof garbage containers. I watched the bear cross the road into the bushes and re-appear several minutes later going back to the garbage can and re-emerge with a full trash bag this time taking it back into the woods.

Canon 7D Mark II, f/8, 1/1600 sec, 560mm, Hand held. I honestly don't remember what editing I did but felt the image did fit the approaching season.

6 comments posted

Mike Cohen   Mike Cohen
I love this shot. Indeed, it is humorous. I didn't notice the feet until I read your description. However, I tried a more aggressive crop to avoid the feet and avoid cutting the bear in half. See what you think. Also, possibly due to processing but it looks too crunchy to my eye. Particularly after my crop. Nice one.   Posted: 10/05/2026 20:56:23
Comment Image
Tracy Kaminer   Tracy Kaminer
That's a unique shot! Great moment captured. Can you go back to your original photo to re-edit with a lighter touch? If so, perhaps you can avoid the "crunchiness' that Mike mentioned. I do think you need to address the feet being cut off so a different crop might work for you. It is such a fun image, but obviously a serious topic. What is the orange on the bear? It certainly fits with the pumpkin marshmallows.   Posted: 10/06/2026 17:29:18
Pamela Hoaglund   Pamela Hoaglund
You were in the right place at the right time. Nice capture of the bear who must have a sweet tooth. I like that he is looking toward you so you can see both eyes and that the front legs are separated. I think Mike's crop works better as the feet are not cut off nor the body cut in half. It seems that bear proof garbage cans need to be installed.   Posted: 10/10/2026 22:42:12
Polly Krauter   Polly Krauter
Reminds me of a retriever with a bone in its mouth, great timing on this image. I like the eye contact. There seems to be some halo effect outlining the bear, the tighter crop seems to diminish it. This would be a fun image on a Thanksgiving card.   Posted: 10/13/2026 17:32:44
Sharon Prislipsky   Sharon Prislipsky
To me this is a very serious image... it could be used for a message to visitors to natural areas to point out the dangers of permitting wild creatures to sample human food. We can only hope that it did not lead to this bear's eventual demise at the hand of fish and wildlife marshals.

Of course you would wish to have the entire foot - at least the front one in the image, but sometimes that isn't possible. It doesn't diminish the story - at least not for me. My eyes may be getting old, but the "crunchiness doesn't bother me at all.   Posted: 10/13/2026 18:26:58
Judith Lesnaw   Judith Lesnaw
I agree with Sharon that the image conveys a serious message. However, there is a humorous side to this image. I rather like the crunchy look. The feet bothered me immediately.
  Posted: 10/22/2026 19:35:44

 

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