In the heart of urban Asheville, Emmy Award-winning wildlife cinematographer Hayes Baxley embarks on a new adventure, observing black bears in their natural, yet city-bound habitat. Known for his global escapades, from the icy waters of the Arctic to the lush jungles of the Amazon, Baxley is now focused on capturing the life of black bear mothers and their cubs as they navigate the urban landscape of Asheville.
Following the Bears’ Journey
Baxley’s passion for wildlife has seen him endure long waits, such as the 27-day vigil in Brazil for a jaguar sighting. “That’s the beauty of working with wildlife,” he reflects, emphasizing the mystery and patience involved in documenting animal behavior.
His current project with the BBC’s Natural History Unit aims to showcase how black bear families coexist with Asheville’s urban environment. This initiative is part of a broader series about American wildlife, highlighting unique animal-human interactions.
Capturing Intimate Moments
To film these elusive creatures, Baxley employs a 1,000 millimeter zoom lens, maintaining a respectful distance that keeps the bears unaware of his presence. He also plans to use motion-triggered cameras along bear trails to capture their natural behavior.
“Spending a lot of time watching them,” Baxley explains, allows him to observe their habits, such as a mother’s use of ‘day beds’ for her cubs’ safety. His methodical approach mirrors his international projects: understanding patterns and patiently waiting for the right moments.
Challenges of Urban Wildlife Filming
Interacting with wildlife in urban areas poses unique challenges. Recent incidents involving bears breaking into homes have led to increased caution and collaboration with organizations like BearWise. Ashley Hobbs from the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission highlights the importance of such partnerships in ensuring safe filming practices.
Baxley’s intimate encounters have already yielded memorable scenes, such as a mother bear sheltering her cubs from rain high in a tree. “You see those kind of moments, and it just makes you think,” he shares.
A New Perspective on Local Wildlife
Through this project, Baxley hopes to shift perspectives on local wildlife, encouraging people to appreciate the presence of bears in their community. “You don’t have to go two weeks to Antarctica to see amazing wildlife,” he notes, emphasizing the richness of Asheville’s own ecosystem.
Residents spotting bears in the area are encouraged to connect via the project’s Instagram: @Asheville_Bears.
NC Wildlife Resources Commission
