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

REF # : TN-2826 R-5 D3X 70-200MM