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You just never when you might get a chance to see a bear
in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
While driving Little River Road one fall day,
I was lucky enough to witness a glimpse into the private lives of this
foraging bear family as they tried to fatten up before winter denning.
Black bears eat a variety of different seasonally available foods.
During the fall, nuts and grapes provide a large portion of a bear's diet.
Throughout the year, bears use their keen sense of smell to seek out food.
These logs likely contain insect larvae which are rich in protein.
The fallen timber is no match for the bear's powerful claws and teeth.
And it's pretty obvious that these little ones have been learning
a thing or two from mom.
If you'd like to know more about bears or other mammals,
pick up a copy of Mammals of the Smokies, available at the GSMA website,
or at visitor centers throughout the park.