Santiago J. Monroy García
God in the Shadows
Andean bear, Colombia, 2023
Category - Into the Forest
The highland rainforests of the Andes are among the densest, coldest, and most humid forests on earth. They are home to the only bear species native to South America: the Andean bear, also known as the ‘spectacled bear’ (Tremarctos ornatus). Unfortunately, it is threatened with extinction due to habitat loss and poaching. However, local communities are working to preserve the Andean forests and their species, as in the Ecopalacio Nature Reserve, about 30 kilometres from Bogotá, where this picture was taken. A camera trap system was used, enabling this amazing animal to be captured in its natural environment without any human interaction. When the bear stood still, raindrops fell on the lens like brushstrokes, adding texture to the image that immerses the viewer in the humidity and cold of the highland forests of Colombia.
18-55 mm f/3.5-5.6 Lens - 1/80 sec at f/11 ISO 800