A branch with unusually pale gold leaves stands out
against a background of darker red and orange foliage
at the edge of a shaded slope and one can imagine a
black bear lurking somewhere in the shadows. Foraging
for edible plants and berries as he prepares for
hibernation and the long winter ahead. It is estimated
that several thousand Black Bears inhabit the Smoky
Mountains and sightings are not uncommon.
Taken 10-17-11
Jackson County, NC
