( KRON ) –- Jean Zuo, a Cupertino mother of twin daughters, was visiting the Lake Tahoe area when she photographed a wild black bear feasting on salmon in a creek. One of those marvelous images captivated judges in the 2024 California Wildlife Photo of the Year, earning her the grand prize award.
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife announced the grand prize winner to its social media audience on Friday . CDFW Director Charlton Bonham personally selected Zuo’s image from 17 finalists, saying the photo’s “composition, lighting, and timing reflected not only the technical excellence we look for, but also the deep respect for the natural world.”
Zuo’s award-winning image of a cinnamon-colored black bear grasping a kokanee salmon in its jaws was taken in October 2023 while she was on a family trip celebrating her birthday. In the photo, the bear’s cautious eyes look back at the camera lens while lifting the fish from the cold, babbling Taylor Creek.
“That was my very first time visiting Taylor Creek, and capturing its remarkable wildlife,” Zuo said in a statement. “I photographed the California Black Bears and Kokanee Salmon; it was truly a privilege and one of my most memorable experiences.”…