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Description

Along the shore of Crescent Lake in Lake Clark National Park and Preserve, a brown bear emerged from the water and shook off a shimmering spray in one powerful motion. For a split second, the droplets hung in the air like a halo against the green forest before falling back to the riverbank. Watching this everyday ritual at close range—without disturbing the bear—felt like witnessing the quiet strength that these protected public lands make possible.