Few things are more powerful than witnessing the bond between mother and child—or in this case, cub! In the wilds of Alaska, travelers will observe and photograph fascinating bear behavior and will be treated to affectionate displays between protective mothers and playful cubs. This rarest of encounters can be had on Grizzlies of Katmai: A Photo Pro Expedition—the ultimate bear photography safari! While you dream of adventure, enjoy this roundup of some of our favorite photographs of brown bear mother and cubs, taken by Nat Hab travelers and guides along the remote coast of Katmai National Park. Also featured are some stellar submissions from our Wildlife Photo Contests of years past.

Nat Hab travelers with brown bears in Alaska.

© Alek Komarnitsky

A brown bear with three cubs in Alaska.

© Peter Norvig

Brown bear cubs nurse in Alaska.

© Alan Jones

Brown bear cubs clutch their mother in Alaska.

© Peter Derrington

A cub plays in the water in Alaska.

© Peter Derrington

A brown bear mother and cub

© Jennifer Fogle Smith

A brown bear cub nuzzles its mother in Katmai National Park.

© Peter Norvig

Brown bear cubs waiting for their mother in Katmai.

© Benjamin Spalding

A brown bear mother with cubs in Alaska's Katmai National Park.

© Doug Beach

Two cubs play in the water in Alaska.

© Peter Norvig

A brown bear stares down the photographer in Katmai National Park.

© Peter Norvig

Brad Josephs, one of Nat Hab’s Photo Pro Expedition Leaders, was among the first bear-viewing guides along the Alaska Penisula. Below is a selection of some of our favorite photographs he has taken of brown bear mothers and cubs in Katmai National Park during his decades of experience guiding travelers, professional photographers and film crews. You can also check out Brad’s Daily Dose of Nature, Photographing Bear Behavior: Mothers & Cubs.

© Brad Josephs

A mother bear with playful cubs in a flower field.

© Brad Josephs

A cub strikes a pose among the lupines in Katmai National Park.

© Brad Josephs

A mother bear with cubs on the tidal flats in Katmai National Park.

© Brad Josephs

A brown bear and cub walk along the tidal flats in Alaska.

© Brad Josephs

A wolf and brown bear encounter in Katmai National Park.

© Brad Josephs

Playful bear cubs with a mother bear in Katmai National Park.

© Brad Josephs

Playful bear cubs with a mother bear in Katmai National Park.

© Brad Josephs

Playful bear cubs with a mother bear in Katmai National Park.

© Brad Josephs