Should bear cubs be slaughtered from a helicopter? That’s exactly what the Alaska Department of Fish & Game is trying to do—again. In 2023, 99 bears were slaughtered from helicopters. In 2024, another 80 were killed. Now they want to bring this aerial gunning program back for another one-month killing spree—shooting every bear they see, even mothers with cubs. This isn’t wildlife management. It’s a taxpayer-funded massacre with no sound science, and it’s happening in one of the wildest, most iconic regions of Alaska. As someone who has spent years guiding bear tours and telling their stories, I can’t stay silent. 🛑 Bears don’t have a voice—but we do. 📣 Submit your public comment before July 7 to stop this cruelty. 💬 Comment “save the bears” and I’ll DM you the link. It only takes 2 minutes—and you don’t need to be from Alaska to speak up. 🔁 Please share widely. ⸻ #SaveTheBears #StopAerialGunning #KatmaiNationalPark #KatmaiBears #BrownBear #GrizzlyBear #BearsOfInstagram #AlaskaWildlife #AlaskaNature #ExploreAlaska #WildAlaska #OnlyInAlaska #AlaskaAdventure #AlaskaTravel #BearWatching #BearGuidePerspective #BearPhotography #NatureConservation #WildlifeConservation #ProtectBears #WildlifeProtection #VoiceForTheVoiceless #natgeo #natgeowild #nationalgeographic #yourshotphotographer #wildlifephotography #ursus

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1 days ago

The Alaska Department of Fish & Game is determined to keep killing bears—despite recent legal rulings. 🐻 They’re now proposing to reinstate a massive 40,000-square-mile predator control program across western Alaska, including aerial gunning of bears from helicopters in Units 17 and 18. This comes after two judges ruled last year’s bear-killing program illegal—and found the state acted in bad faith by killing 11 bears after court orders were in place. But instead of backing down, ADF&G is doubling down. They’ve already killed nearly 200 bears in the last two years—including cubs—without any credible science, population data, or evidence that it helps caribou recovery. This isn’t conservation. It’s slaughter. And it’s all funded by your taxpayer dollars. 🛑 We have a chance to stop it. The Alaska Board of Game is holding a special meeting on July 14, and public comments are due by July 7 at 11:59pm. 🗣️ You don’t have to be from Alaska to speak up. 🔔 Comment “Save the bears” below and I’ll DM you everything you need to submit your comment in 2 minutes. Bears don’t have a voice—but we do. And we need to use it. Please help 🙏🐻 #alaska #alaskalife #alaskawildlife #katmai #katmainationalpark #brooksfalls #natgeo #natgeowild #nationalgeographic #nationalpark #nationalparks #thegreatoutdoors #wildlife #wildlifephotography #wildlifephotographer #wildlifeonearth #wildlifeconservation #capturethewild #naturelovers #nature #conservation #babyanimals #bethechangeyouwanttosee #makeadifference

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2 days ago

Imagine walking through the Sumatran rainforest and coming face-to-face with a dominant, fully flanged male orangutan! These magnificent giants are elusive, spending their lives high in the canopy. To witness this king of the forest is an experience that stays with you forever. 🦧🌿 Follow us for more glimpses into the wild world of orangutans and to learn how you can help! 📸 @thewildlifecollective_

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3 days ago

Ever seen birds flirt like this? 👀💃 Crested cranes don’t just find a mate- they perform for one. These beauties bond through performing elaborate dances to woo their lifelong partners. With high leaps, graceful bows, wing flutters and synchronized struts, their courtship dance is a wild waltz ritual display of elegance and rhythm. Since these crowned birds will often mate for life, they make sure the connection starts with a spark!✨ Nature’s romance game? 10/10. Interested in joining an upcoming tour to the Masai Mara? DM me for more info! 📩 #CrestedCrane #WildlifeReels #BirdsOfInstagram #DancingBirds #NatureIsWild #ReelNature #AnimalBehaviors #WildlifeLovers #LoveInTheWild #NatGeoWild #WildlifeMoments #natgeo #Africa #Kenya #MasaiMaraMagic #earthofficial #conservation

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4 days ago

It was only day one in the Masai Mara, yet something deep within me had already shifted. I’ll never forget the moment our eyes met. Mine wide with wonder, theirs full of wilderness and carved from the silence of the wild. Ancient, wise and untouched by time. Locking eyes with a wild leopard- Something electric and beyond words passed between us. A quiet, wordless knowing that I was standing in the presence of something sacred. No words can hold what that moment gave me. Only gratitude and reverence. I am forever grateful to @thewildlifecollective_ for these unforgettable wild experiences.🐆✨ Interested in joining an upcoming tour to the Masai Mara? DM me for more info! 📩 #Leopard #BigCatMoments #natgeo #earthofficial #WildlifePhotography #Kenya #conservation #nature #Africa #MomentsThatChangeYou #MasaiMaraMagic #WildKenya #igreel #reelsi̇nstagram #VisualStoryteller #wildlife #BigCatsOfInstagram #PlanetWildlife #Safari

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5 days ago

After an unforgettable week in the heart of the Masai Mara, we’re back in Nairobi—grateful, full of stories, and overflowing with memories. This journey gifted us golden sunrises, countless big cats, and more magical moments than we could have ever imagined. The wildlife was breathtaking—raw, wild, and soul-stirring. But as awe-inspiring as those encounters were, they’re not what left the deepest mark. What truly made this experience unforgettable were the people. The shared wonder, the constant laughter, the late-night fireside chats, the feeling of belonging to something bigger than ourselves. We came as strangers and leave as family—connected by the land, the wild, and a week that changed us all. As we head to the airport and go our separate ways, we already find ourselves dreaming of returning. Until next time, sweet Mara. There’s a piece of this magic waiting for you too at @kapotocamp. 🧡🦁✨ #MasaiMara #Kenya #NatGeo #NatGeoTravel #WildlifePhotography #AfricanSafari #SafariLife #NatureLovers #EarthOfficial #OurPlanetDaily #WildlifePlanet #WildlifePerfection #DiscoverEarth #RoamThePlanet #BigCats #ElephantsOfInstagram #Cheetah #LionsOfInstagram #PlanetEarth #ExploreToCreate #TravelAwesome #TheWildAwaits #StayAndWander #AdventureCulture #NatureBrilliance #VisualsofEarth

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9 days ago

Still catching my breath after going live right in front of a lion kill, what a wild moment to share with so many of you in real time. 🦁🔥 Thank you to everyone who tuned in, said hi, and showed support. It means the world. We’re just getting started, and I can’t wait to keep bringing you more unforgettable moments from the wild. Drop a comment—what do you want to see next? What moments do you want to experience with us? Grateful for each of you showing up. Let’s keep going. 🧡 #onsafariafrica

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10 days ago

Some beautiful news from the Mara — we’re beyond thrilled to share that @candacedyar is officially joining the Wildlife Collective as a global tour leader! 🌍🐾 Candace is a powerhouse — a passionate conservationist, an incredible photographer, and a deeply positive voice for the wild. She brings so much heart, vision, and experience to this work, and we couldn’t be more excited to walk this path together. Getting to know her more over these past few days in the Masai Mara has been truly inspiring. It’s been heartwarming, uplifting, and so aligned — in our love for wild places, for ethical storytelling, and for building something that truly gives back. The Wildlife Collective is growing… and with @cassienoelphotography and Candace now by my side, I know we’re going to be a powerful, positive force for conservation and the wild. Here’s to this next chapter — and all the magic to come. 🙌🧡🌍✨ #wildlifephotography #conservationjourney #womeninconservation #masaimara #wildlifeadventures #wildlifecollective #naturephotography #ethicaltravel #bigcats #safarilife #strongertogether #positiveimpact #protectthewild #wildlifeplanet #wildandfree #naturelovers #conservationphotography

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11 days ago

Caught in the heart of a thunderstorm, just meters from a pride of lions, raw power meeting raw beauty. Flashes of lightning illuminating the golden grass in bursts of electric light, and there they were…calm, steady, completely unfazed by the chaos unfolding overhead. The lions moved with calm, ancient grace, as if the storm answered to them. There was something so deeply moving about watching them. These wild, powerful beings. It felt like nature revealing itself in its rawest form: fierce, unapologetic, and breathtakingly beautiful. It’s hard to explain how small and alive you feel in moments like that. Moments like this shake you awake. They remind you how small we are and how deeply connected we are to this wild, untamed world. This was a moment that will live in my bones forever.🦁⛈️ #SafariMagic #WildAfrica #HumbledByNature #LionHeart

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12 days ago