Moment two bears grapple with each other in remarkable scrap captured on camera in national park
This is the moment two bears were caught grappling with each other in remarkable photographs taken in a national park.
Mark Buckler, 54, captured the pair of bears mid-scrap showing off their best wrestling moves.
The brown bears were caught fighting in Katmai National Park, Alaska, US.
Standing up in a playful tussle, some of the snaps show the bears stood on two paws and grappling with each other.
Other photographs captured the pair tumbling on the ground, wrapping their limbs around each other in a scuffle.
The two brown bears were captured wrestling with each other at Katmai National Park in Alaska, US
Standing up in a playful tussle the snap shows the bears stood on two paws and grappling with each other
Another photograph captures one of the bears stood up, appearing to pin the other one to the ground on its back
The stunning backdrop of the national park can be seen behind the two bears who appear to be in a growling match
Mark Buckler, 54, captured the bears mid-scrap showing off their best wrestling moves
The action shot captured one bear with its paw on the other's shoulder and head while both stand up on two feet
Both tumbling on the ground with paws up, the bears were caught wrestling together
Another shot shows a bear appearing to try to nibble the other's toes as it lays on the ground
One snap seems to show a bear trying to get a piggy-back from the other
Another incredible shot shows both bears' teeth as they continue to brawl with one another
Brown bears are some of the biggest carnivores alive and can communicate with one another by scratching on trees, according to WWF.
There is an estimated population of 2,200 brown bears at Katmai National Park and hikers often see them when in the area.
The park was established in 1918 in an effort to preserve the area and is now an important habitat for salmon and brown bears.
Mark, from North Carolina, said: 'These bears are simply playing, possibly for just fun or recreation.
'Play behaviour in many animals, especially younger animals, helps prepare them to gain some of the skills necessary for survival.'