Counting Noses

After a mother bear comes down the hillside, she counts her cubs to make sure they are all with her before they continue on their way. Cades Cove Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Ellis

We'd like to introduce you to Ellis, aka "Little Sh*t" (L.S.) who has been visiting regularly. He, like other bears pass through our yard on a semi-regular basis. We've had numerous again this year as they come up the hillside and head to the woods behind our house. They come in all sizes and Ellis is a young bear, however he did approach our front door one day. Since we have a dog and it's a big no-no here to get that close, we had to run out clapping and waving our arms until he "understood" - which he quickly learned. He's a good bear. Here's to Ellis! May he live long and prosper.

Be Still My Heart 💖

A spring cub looks our direction before he continues on his way keeping up with Mom. Cades Cove Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Sweet Surrender

A mother bear lies in the grass to nurse her two spring cubs.

Bashful

A Spring cub standing on a downed log, smooshes her face against a small tree as she peers in our direction. Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Bird Watcher

A male black bear notices a flock of birds that landed in our large pine tree above. Taken from inside at Gatlinburg, TN

Bird Watching

This male bear was sitting in our yard grooming himself when a flock of birds flew into the trees above. He kept looking up with a frightened expression. Anyone who understands these animals know that they can spook at the slightest of things, and spooked he was. Shortly after he took off like a rocket into the woods.

Quarantine Blues

If current events have been a “bear” to deal with, take a moment for yourself, rest your head and your mind someplace comfy, (it doesn’t have to be covered in moss), and know that you are not alone. Keep the faith that we will all get through this - together. Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Precious Cargo 💕

These incredible animals are not to be feared, but revered. Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Nature's Bounty

A yearling enjoys the bounty of summer greens. Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Hang In There!

These past several months have no doubt been troubling and frightening for most of us. This too shall pass and we're optimistic that we're strong enough to "hang in there" like this little one. Keep the faith... brighter days are ahead! *Added by request* Cades Cove Great Smoky Mountains National Park

The Caretaker

This beautiful mama bear checks her surroundings as her three cubs forage behind her.

I Love You, Mama

A loving moment between a mother bear and her cub. Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Beary Adorable

Cades Cove Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Bearly Sleeping

A mama bear takes a nap in the afternoon sun. Cades Cove Great Smoky Mountains National Park

A Wink And A Smile

Cades Cove Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Shhh... the bear is sleeping

Taken through the glass in our yard, this bear appeared to be nodding off to take an afternoon nap. Gatlinburg, TN

Madam Butterfly

This female black bear appears to have a butterfly on her chest. Gatlinburg, TN

Don't Make Me Come Up There!

After foraging, a mama bear summons her cubs down a walnut tree. Cades Cove Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Born To Be Wild

A triplet climbs a tree as mama forages and the others play. Cades Cove Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Hydrating

A female black bear grabs a cool drink of water on a warm, summer day in the Cove. Cades Cove Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Healthy, Happy And Free

A young male, black bear glances up while foraging in the woods. Cades Cove Great Smoky Mountains National Park