Dinner and a Show!

 “Dinner and a Show!”

Judy Royal Glenn Photography

This black bear photoshoot was one of the most exciting ones I have done. It’s one I will never forget.

A sow and her two yearlings decided to put on a show. The sow crossed a grassy field and immediately started foraging. The yearlings were reluctant to walk out of the tall grass but soon followed suit. They climbed a walnut tree not even a foot from the road and stayed there for almost an hour. They were not in a hurry! I watched them have dinner and put on a show. 

Of course, they created a massive bear jam, a.k.a., when a long line of cars built up from everyone stopped to admire them.

I hope to get back in the Cove soon as I have a shoulder injury. I haven’t been there for a month:( This photo was taken spring two years ago.

To purchase wildlife and nature fine art prints, please visit my website:

https://www.judyroyalglennphotography.com

Location: Cades Cove, Tennessee in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Enough is Enough!

“Enough is Enough!”

Judy Royal Glenn Photography

Ears back, snout snarled, eyes locked. She has had enough! 

Her yearling took their play fighting one step too far. Now, is she genuinely disciplining him or just wrestling? I don’t know. I have several photos of the encounter, and at one time, they were standing, and he swatted her face several times. I have a large print of that skirmish framed in my house. It reminds me of that day. I will never forget it!

To purchase wildlife and nature fine art prints, please visit my website:

https://www.judyroyalglennphotography.com

Location: Cades Cove, Tennessee in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Test, See & Learn

Test, See & Learn

Judy Royal Glenn Photography

Baby bears are always watching and learning from mom. There is so much to observe to get the vital skills needed for survival. She has to teach them everything within the 16-17 months she rears them.

While at Cades Cove, Tennessee, I witnessed a sow test a small branch to see if it would hold her weight. She used her hind leg and grabbed onto an adjacent branch for added security. The cub was there to witness it all. It was quite a sight to see!

To purchase wildlife and nature fine art prints, please visit my website:

https://www.judyroyalglennphotography.com

Location: Cades Cove, Tennessee in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Ever Watchful

“Ever Watchful”

Judy Royal Glenn Photography

I know everyone is probably sad the Cove was closed the last two days because it harbored beautiful snow and wildlife. Hopefully, you went to the Cove today and saw some snow. If you don’t get to go, I hope this photo will make you happy.

Backstory:

November 12, 2019, proved to be an exciting day! I love photographing bears, especially when I have the rare opportunity to photograph them in the snow. 

The sow was ever so watchful because she was looking after her two ginormous cubs. The cubs played peek-a-boo around a tree, and one even climbed a tree and posed.

The opportunity seemed surreal. I was thankful the Lord provided me with such an amazing sight. I also met a new photography friend who enjoyed photographing them too.

Check out all the snow on her paws:0

To purchase wildlife and nature fine art prints, please visit my website:

https://www.judyroyalglennphotography.com

Location: Cades Cove, Tennessee in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park

On His Own

“On His Own”

Judy Royal Glenn Photography

I was excited to go to the Cades Cove this week because of the snow. My goal was to find a black bear in the snow—I was thrilled to find this yearling.

Before I got there, he ran up the tree because a buck scared him. He eventually came down and posed for the crowd.

He was ever present and constantly aware of his surroundings. He is on his own without mom’s protection. It is sad, but we all have to grow up sometime and be on our own.

           

To purchase wildlife and nature fine art prints, please visit my website:

www.judyroyalglennphotography.com 

Location: Cades Cove, Tennessee in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park