I thought I heard something!

This is one of the shyest bear with cubs I have found in Cades Cove.

Hi Mommy!

I promise I won't play in the road anymore. Seems like a reasonable conversation between a black bear cub and its mother.

Age Old Questions

So, why did the bear cub cross the road? I got many of these kinds of shots this spring. I kept wanting to get some in a more natural setting, and eventually I did. Still, looking back I think I undervalued these kinds of moments. Such an adorable little animal with sharp claws and a protective momma!

Turning Heads

Apparently, black bear like some cars more than others. I think the red backlit effect is pretty neat in this one.

I had some cubs around here somewhere...

Momma bear leading her small cubs through the tall grass to a mid-afternoon nap.

I want to see, too!!

The fact that the momma bear isn't even reacting to the cub climbing up for a better look impresses me with how thick their hide has to be. Still a pretty adorable moment.

Scratching an Itch

Finding Black Bear cubs in a tree is always a special moment.

Food, Glorious Food!!

This black bear in Cades Cove, TN might seem to be a little bit off target in its choice of food. But it knows its business better than that. It's chewing that branch so that it can bring the cherries out on the end into reach. It's amazing how large a branch they will do this with. I've definitely seen 3-4" limbs get sawed through with their teeth and massive neck strength. One more good reason to respect the wildlife and give proper distance!

Talking Back

Apparently it happens in Black Bear families, too. Not surprisingly, mom won the argument and the little one high tailed it up the branch.

Partners in Crime

Two black bear cubs getting their fill of cherries.

Moving Right Along

This Black Bear cub was trying to catch up to mom late one afternoon. Note the 840 mm focal length and crop sensor allowed me to be much further away than the shot implies.

Waving at the Camera

Black bear cubs are so cute peering around tree trunks. :)

I See You

Cubs (actually this one's a yearling) in the grass are so cute. :)

Basking in the Shadows

This two year old kept taunting me by laying down for a few minutes and then just hanging out in the tall grass. Eventually he gave us a few good looks.

Clearing Space

This mother's yearlings were a little bit too shy to cross the road with much of an audience. So she walked up and down the road clearing some space and then ran back into the woods to convince her young ones to cross. I was impressed people didn't crowd back in after she went to fetch her cubs. You don't always see that kind of common sense around these animals.

On The Menu

If I was one of those leaves, I would be very nervous right about now.

Behind the ears

There's a good black bear! Sometimes they remind me so much of really big dogs with incredibly large claws.