We all know that you’re not supposed to make eye contact with wild animals. Or even with the neighborhood dogs. Or cats. Which must be why it is so disconcerting when a wild critter makes eye contact with us.
It can be pretty creepy.
Ospreys are good at the intimidating stare. This guy absolutely did not want me getting any closer to his lunch:
Even if they don’t have a snack to protect, any raptor will give you the evil eye if you take one step too close.
A Great Grey Owl might not seem too scary from 50 feet away, but get a little closer and his glare can look a bit more predatory.
Juveniles try to intimidate, but somehow they just can’t pull it off.
Sometimes, though, there’s really no malevolence in the stare. It’s all curiosity. What are you doing out here?
Oddly enough, even a meat-eating predator can manage to look you in the eye and not be scary. What’s that about?
A grizzly bear, though….
Is this guy looking at me? Maybe. But I’m not going any closer to find out.
Off the Beaten Path: Hikes, Backpacks, and Travels 
Simply gorgeous wildlife! Nice captures Cindy! Please stay away from bears! Thanks! 🙂
Ha! OK, it’s a deal. I’ll stay away from bears!
Fantastic photos. I often wish my subjects would look at me. Too often they are looking wistfully away, avoiding contact.
That does seem to be the norm, doesn’t it? I’m always shocked when they actually stop and stare back at me.
I’m with you on the grizzly! Great photos.
🙂 Thought you might be! Thanks.
Terrific photos!
Thank you!
Im already looking forward to spring when our osprey return.
Oh, me too! It’s always a big highlight of the spring for me.
Great eyes all of them. Interesting how the older ones get more intimidating. And I’ll be the contrarion – keep photographing bears. With reasonable precautions you’ll be fine.
OK, I’ll keep on looking for those bears. I’m planning a pretty long backpack into grizzly country this summer, so maybe….
The juvie great grey owl looks like a gang banger teen with his pants around his knees 🙂
Ha! He does, doesn’t he?
Wonderful photos! The owls are so funny.
They are so goofy looking. Although I suppose if one was coming at me with outstretched talons I wouldn’t think so, would I? Thanks.
Wow, Cindy, these photos are spectacular. The black bear and the grizzly photos are crazy! And the great gray owls, mmmm, what a treat to see them. Every photo is a delight, thank you.
Thanks so much. Your comments are always so encouraging!