Barack Obama's rookie 'selfie' mistake with Bear Grylls

Bear Grylls and Barack Obama take a selfie during filming of an episode of Running Wild. Photo/Instagram

President Barack Obama took a "selfie" with TV adventurer Bear Grylls in Alaska, but unfortunately managed to get his finger in the shot.

The president taped a special episode of Grylls' show Running Wild while on a three day trip to highlight climate change.

He and Grylls went trekking through the wilderness together as Mr Obama visited Exit Glacier.

Mr Obama later posted a picture he took with Grylls on the White House Instagram account, signing it "Bo" indicating it had been done personally rather than by a staff member.

He wrote: "Was such a privilege to adventure with you! Glad this was the only Bear I met in the park."

Sadly, the president managed to somewhat spoil the photograph by getting his finger over the lens, suggesting he may not be well practised at taking selfies.

Grylls published on Twitter another selfie of them together that he had taken himself.

@POTUS such special moments all through this journey. & what you are doing to help protect our planet in inspiring. pic.twitter.com/IDWJR3rMPM

— Bear Grylls (@BearGrylls) September 2, 2015

The adventurer said: "Such special moments all through this journey. And what you are doing to help protect our planet is inspiring."

Before his meeting with Grylls, Mr Obama's spokesman said on Air Force One: "The president has seen the show before. I will not deny your suspicion that there may have been some suggestions put forward by the Bear Grylls team that were not approved by the Secret Service.

Bear Grylls. Photo / NBC/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images

"I think it's just sort of an admittedly unorthodox, but legitimately interesting, way for the president to reach an audience that obviously cares about this conversation."

On his show, Grylls teaches survival skills which sometimes include drinking one's own urine.

Previous guests have included actress Kate Hudson, who ate ants, and actress Michelle Rodriguez who ate soup consisting of a mouse mixed with her own urine after she and Grylls ran out of water.

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