When you think of polar bears, you often envision them frolicking among a snowy Arctic landscape.
But, during the summer months, these majestic animals do migrate further south - and, as evidenced by these adorable photographs, occasionally into fields of vivid pink wildflowers.
Canadian photographer Dennis Fast captured these stunning shots near Northern Canada's Hudson Bay in the province of Manitoba.
Canadian photographer Dennis Fast captured these inquisitive, yet playful polar bears in their natural habitat in Northern Canada
The playful white giants can be seen enjoying themselves in the summer sun, rolling around and stretching in a field of fireweed, near lodges run by Churchill Wild, an Arctic safari company that employs Dennis as its chief photographer.
Dennis has long been fond of photographing these majestic animals, though he admits that he especially likes to do so in the warmer months when temperatures aren't at a shocking -40 degrees Celsius, as they are in the winter.
'Besides being arguably the largest carnivore on earth, they are also one of the most adorable,' he tells My Modern Met. 'Their demeanor is mostly calm and inquisitive.'
The bears were spotted frolicking in a field of pink fireweed, as well as occasionally chewing on the plants themselves (pictured)
Dennis has been snapping photos of the bears for about 20 years, even serving as chief photographer for an Arctic adventure company
The silly photographs were taken near Hudson Bay in northern Manitoba, Canada, near the Churchill Wild lodges
He added: '[I]t's not just their colour that makes them a favourite target of my camera. They have a slow, ambling gait as they drift about looking for anything that moves. It looks like they don't have a care in the world, and that there is nothing they are afraid of.
'It is amazing to spend quality time with my favourite animal. Wild animals need to become somewhat used to your presence and learn that you won't harrass them - that's when they begin to behave normally.'
But, now that the bears have become used to Dennis, who often frequents the Churchill Wild lodges near Hudson Bay as the resort's chief photographer, he's able to showcase their true private, yet playful nature.
But you don't have to be a professional to capture these animals in their natural habitat. The Arctic safari company's outpost is located in the small coastal town of Churchill, known as the 'Polar Bear Capital of the World,' and hosts aspiring shutterbugs of all experience levels.
A sleepy looking bear is easy to spot in a field of fuschia fireweed, a plant that is native to the temperate Northern Hemisphere
Peek-a-boo! One majestic bear is spotted peeking his head - and paw - above the flowers as he lounges on his back
Dennis admits that while he enjoys photographing the bears in the winter, as well, the milder summer temperatures - and brightly contrasting colours - make for a truly special sight
Dennis explains that the bears are his favourite animal, largely due to their ambling gait, which makes them look as though they don't have a care in the world
While Churchill Wild offers amateur photographers the chance to get up close and personal on an Arctic safari, Dennis warns that the animals do need to get used to your presence.
Once the bears are sure that the photographers won't harass them, they are free to show off their more private, playful side
'Besides being arguably the largest carnivore on earth, they are also one of the most adorable,' Dennis tells website My Modern Met
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/travel/article-3204569/Bloomin-lovely-Photographer-captures-playful-polar-bears-having-time-lives-field-wild-flowers.html#ixzz3ja5sMxmO
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