Dolly Sods and Canaan Valley are two of the more geologically diverse areas in West Virginia. Dolly Sods is a high elevation plateau between Cabin Mountain to the west and Allegheny Front to the east. Southern Dolly Sods is a designated Wilderness Area and the north Dolly Sods plateau is controlled by the USFS. Canaan Valley is a high altitude valley of unusual character. A large part of Canaan Valley is a National Wildlife Refuge.
Both areas provide a diversity of wildlife habitats. Wind swept bogs with grand vistas and unique wetlands and forests. Abundant wildlife of all types provide remarkable photographic opportunities. Numerous species of birds either live or migrate through Canaan Valley and surrounding areas. Unquestionably my favorite study is the West Virginia State Animal - the Black Bear.
West Virginia black bear numbers have been estimated to be anywhere from 5,000 to 11,000. Most of my sightings and photographic opportunities have been on Cabin Mountain between Dolly Sods and Canaan Valley. The photographs on this site reflect a portion of the bear activity I witnessed from April to November.
Photographs were taken with Canon cameras, including 20D, 40D and 50D. Lenses of choice include EF 70-300mm DO IS, EF 70-200mm 2.8L IS and EF 100-400mm IS with extenders. The "birds" of 2008 were taken in Tucker County at wetland areas. The "CV birds" of 2008 were taken in the National Wildlife Refuge. "Black Bears in a Different Light" were shot with a 20D converted for infrared. It is a learning process that will require time and experimentation. All bear photographs on WVBlackBears.com were taken in Tucker County, West Virginia.
~ Jim ~ Jim@WVBlackBears.com
