A side-eye glare from an older brown bear reveals a face marked by numerous scars as it moves among stones and tufts of grass along a Glacier Bay beach. These battle-worn marks may have come from fights with other bears over territory, mates, or food, as brown bears are known to spar aggressively, using their powerful jaws and claws in displays of dominance. Brown bears are solitary for most of the year, but encounters between adults—especially males—can become intense, leaving permanent evidence on their thick hides and on their faces. The bear’s cautious, deliberate movements along the shoreline highlight its experience and strength, offering a glimpse into the harsh realities of life for these formidable coastal predators. Photographer: Sean Neilson