Black Bear in Sun-Dappled Woods

I saw this black bear sleeping at the foot of a tree, and waited two hours for it to awaken. By the time the bear woke up, the sun had started to go down, creating a beautiful warm light in the woods. It’s the perfect backdrop for this stunning animal.

Way Up High (Spring Cub)

This black bear cub was one of three siblings, and its mother had sent the cubs up a tree when she realized there was a boar in the area. The cub is only about three months old. Even at that age, these tiny cubs move so quickly! It was incredible to see them zoom up into the highest branches of the trees! I was fortunate to be able to watch this cub for quite some time. Black bear cubs won't come down from trees until their mother calls to them, so they can be up a tree anywhere from just a few minutes to more than a day. As I watched this cub, it was getting sleepier and sleepier, until it finally just laid its cheek against the trunk of the tree, and fell asleep.

Wild Beauty

This gorgeous male black bear, or boar, probably weighs around 400 pounds, and when upright, stands 6-7 feet tall. (A female black bear weights around 175 pounds).

Cinnamon Bear

Black bears come in many colors: black, brown, blonde, and cinnamon; sometimes their fur is more than one color! This youngster with its beautiful red coat is standing upright to get a better sense of its surroundings.

Way Up High (Yearling Cub)

Yes, black bears come in many colors! This yearling cub's mother sent it up a tree to keep it safe from the danger posed by male bears (boars).

The Orator

I would love to know what this bear is pontificating about!