Katmai Coast, Alaska is home to a large number of grizzly bears. Our group had just arrived on the island, and I had no idea we would encounter bears this close to us. This mother and baby walked down the beach right toward us. We stayed still and they walked within three feet of our group. I was kneeling on the end of the row and could have easily reached out and touched this huge mother bear as she and her cub walked by. The literature indicates that these guys can run up to thirty-five miles per hour. It was a thrilling experience.