Too much of the time, science is computers and labs and statistical analysis, but every once in awhile there comes the payoff: field work. Each winter, biologists from Maine’s Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife snowmobile into the back woods, dig out bear dens, and run health checks on one of the state’s more charismatic megafauna. Photographer Paul Cyr of Northern Maine Photos was lucky enough to accompany then not too long ago and the result is this series of pics of unbelievably adorable bear cubs. No, you can’t take them home. But yes, you’re right–there’s still time to switch careers. Hint: Photography takes less schooling than biology.

Tagged as: wildlife