Showing posts with label bear. Show all posts
Showing posts with label bear. Show all posts

Friday, July 25, 2025

"Patty-cake"



"Patty-cake"

Judy Royal Glenn photography


I noticed a large ripple as I passed a creek in Cades Cove, Tennessee. I didn’t see anything at first but upon further inspection, I saw two spring cubs with their mom cooling off from the hot sun.


I couldn’t believe my eyes, and my hand was over my mouth in awe.


My usual prayer is for the Lord to show me or bring to me what he wants me to photograph. He blesses me all the time!


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

https://www.judyroyalglennphotography.com/


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

Friday, October 27, 2023

The Longest Bear Jam Ever

 

“The Longest Bear Jam Ever” - October 24, 2023

Judy Royal Glenn Photography

 

My dream shot for Tuesday while I was at Cades Cove was photographing a bear with fall color. I was asking for a lot and knew it was a very long shot, but it was still my desire.

 

I turned left off Hyatt Lane onto Cades Cove Loop Road and was so excited because the traffic was clear. Little did I know I would get into the biggest bear jam ever.

 

The traffic was bumper to bumper, starting at the Missionary Baptist Church. Several times, I turned off my car because I was going nowhere. Once, I got out and started walking to where I thought the beginning of the bear jam began. I glanced down the distant hill, and there was no end in sight, so I gave up.

 

I thought the bear might be at the Visitor Center, so I grabbed my camera and pack and began walking. At the Abrams Trailhead, I noticed many people happily photographing a bear. 

 

The bear was crunching on walnuts at the base of a tree on a hill. Cades Cove Loop Road was below the tree. People were photographing the bear across the road on the other side. Visitors stopped momentarily to see the bear and take a quick shot. 

 

I stayed on the opposite hill most of the time. I saw the fall color and wanted to incorporate it in my shot. At one time, I was photographing while lying on my belly.

 

I took a different angle down the hill on the same side as the bear. I got what I wanted. The Lord is so good to me!

 

If you were stuck in the bear jam, I am sorry. The bear needed to eat to pack the pounds for winter, and people tried to be polite. When you multiply the number of cars by each car staying a tad to take a photo, it equals the longest bear jam I have ever been in.

 

Please feel free to share and visit my website:

https://www.judyroyalglennphotography.com/

 

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

 

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Thursday, September 28, 2023

“Sleepwalking Bear Cub”

“Sleepwalking Bear Cub”
Judy Royal Glenn Photography


One day, deep in the enchanted forest of

Cades Cove lived Momma Bear and her three little cubs. The cubs frolicked and

played hard all morning, biting each other’s ears, toppling over one another,

and pinning them to the ground. They fought so hard they could “bearly” keep

their eyes open.

They took a nap safely in a tree with Momma Bear

below. Momma Bear also grew weary and slept on a mossy-covered log.

“Time to get up and play!” said one cub. The

last cub barely made it out of the tree awake and fell deep asleep at the base

of the tree. He sleepwalked until his brother toppled him to the ground,

snapping him out of his slumber.

The End

 

 Please feel free to visit my website:

https://www.judyroyalglennphotography.com/

 

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

 

#CadesCove #GreatSmokyMountainsNationalPark #blackbears #bearphotos #bearphoto #bearphotography #blackbearsofinstagram #GSMNP #CadesCoveTennessee #blackbear #SmokyMountains #smokies #bearcub #bearcubs #GreatSmokyMountains #bearsofinstagram #Christianphotography #Christianphotographer #Godscreation #Godscreationisamazing

Tuesday, May 17, 2022

When it Rains, it Snores


“When it Rains, it Snores”

Judy Royal Glenn Photography

I enjoyed watching two bears snore away a rainy day in Cades Cove, Tennessee. 


The morning started as I was driving, and the mountains appeared closer and closer. I said, “Good morning, mountains. Good morning bears—come and see me!”


I had already prayed and asked the Lord to show me or bring to me what He wanted me to photograph. Seeing sleepy bears and spring cubs made my day.


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

Wednesday, April 20, 2022

Little Cub—Big Forest

“Little Cub—Big Forest”

Judy Royal Glenn Photography


Black bears were first on my agenda to photograph when I moved to Tennessee two and a half years ago. I love them so much and look forward to photographing the spring cubs this year.


 These were the cubs I wrote about that were playing kung fu fighting on a log, and then they picked out their favorite Christmas tree. This photo was taken in May 2021. In case you miss those blog posts, the links can be found here and here.


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



Thursday, January 27, 2022

Look Up

 “Look Up”

Judy Royal Glenn Photography

I love to hike in the woods and open fields of Cades Cove. There is so much beauty to be found. There are still so many trails I have not hiked—so much to do in so little time.


So many times, I forget to look up, because well, that’s where bears are sometimes. Mama bear needs to sleep or forage for food, so she trees her cubs. They know to stay there until she calls them down.


My friends and I were hiking in the woods, and right when I said, “We need to look up,” there they were—three ginormous cubs resting in the tree.


I took a lot of shots and had a hard time deciding which one to post. I like this one because one bear is looking up.


I wanted this photo to reflect what I wanted to say. The last two years have been challenging for everyone. Covid has wrecked so many families by taking their loved ones away. I am sorry if your loved one passed away.


 Some people look for other things to soothe them and remove their pain. Only, the pain returns. The numbness only lasts a while.


One thing I can tell you is Jesus will gladly take your pain. I know, trust me. His outstretched arms reach forward to welcome you into His arms. He has brought me through so much and has always been by my side.


One morning when I first awoke, the Lord gave me a word. At the time, I didn’t need it. It was a gift I needed in the future. Hopefully, it will encourage you.


When there is not enough. . . there is I AM! 


Psalm 34:18 states, “ The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saved those who are crushed in spirit. 


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


Wednesday, December 15, 2021

My Favorite Five – “Giddyup, Mama!”

My Favorite Five – “Giddyup, Mama!”

Judy Royal Glenn Photography


Before I post my “top nine for 2021” photo on Instagram, I wanted to post my favorite five posts from 2021 and see the difference. I thought I would post them here too. 


Here they are……  


Backstory:


Once in a while, you get a special opportunity when out photographing. A black bear and her cubs graced my presence. They meandered about on Sparks Lane for a while. I parked my car at the top of the hill and Hazel and her cubs decided to walk near it. 


While I was photographing her, I noticed another set of ears popping up on her back. One of her cubs climbed on her back and told her, “Giddyup, Mama!”


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


https://www.judyroyalglennphotography.com


I'd love for you to follow me on Instagram also:


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

Tuesday, December 7, 2021

“Kung Fu Fighting”

“Kung Fu Fighting”

Judy Royal Glenn Photography


This spring, these black bear cubs had a blast in Cades Cove on their field trip as they were kung fu fighting on top of a log. They also got to climb trees, play peek-a-boo, pick out a Christmas tree, sneak attack their siblings, sleep in a tree, nurse on Mom’s rich milk, play follow the leader on a log, cross the road safely, and observe those funny humans while peering through weeds as tall as they were. 


These little ones were playing right before the Missionary Baptist Church. They were putting on a show. Boy did they create quite a bear jam that day! 


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

Friday, November 5, 2021

A Whale of a Bear!

“A Whale of a Bear!”

Judy Royal Glenn Photography


Last year, it was nearing Thanksgiving, and I went to Cades Cove. I hadn’t photographed too many critters that I thought worthy of sharing until I came upon one of the largest bears I have ever seen in the Cove.


The bear was sitting under a walnut tree fattening up winter by eating walnuts. There was quite a crowd, but nothing deterred the bear from eating.


Once, the bear stood up next to the tree, and it showed its scale. I’m not good with identifying the bears. 


Does anyone know for certain which one this is, and did you see it?


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


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

Wednesday, October 27, 2021

A Good Ole’ Fashion Whoopin’

“Black Bear Cub Gets a Good Ole’ Fashion Whoopin’”
The Rest of the Story – Part II
Judy Royal Glenn Photography

Last week someone requested I post another photo of the sleeping bear in Cades Cove, so here it is. The incident caused the biggest “bear jam.” My story told of the bears getting bored because the mamma bear did not want to share the walnuts she cracked open.


One cub learned the lesson of not bothering mamma’s food the hard way and got a good ‘ole fashion whoopin.’ The swift discipline happened in the blink of an eye with no warning. Leaves were flying!


I did not think but just held down the camera’s shutter and took a series of photos. Meanwhile, the sleeping cub raised his head to check out the commotion.


Terror could be seen in the disciplined bear’s eyes as mamma’s claws dug into his fur. It was a moment he will never forget.


I wish I could see her head to see what she was doing. Maybe she was giving him a firm bite. At least I got the expression on the cub’s face.


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

Wednesday, October 20, 2021

It’s Their Home

“It’s Their Home”

Judy Royal Glenn Photography


Late yesterday afternoon in Cades Cove turned into a long line of cars because a bear family stayed in the road. One cub even tried to sleep on the road.


The line of cars backed up to the entrance to Cades Cove Loop Road. I didn’t want to get in the traffic but decided to in hopes of photographing bears. To make the situation merrier, I turned on Christmas music and had a jolly ride.


The staff tried to manage the problem the best they could to keep the bears and visitors safe. 


One by one, visitors managed their cars as instructed by the staff. Some had to stop or move their car around the bears.

Others honked their horns as directed to encourage the bears to move.


The mamma bear was not excited to share the walnuts she cracked open. One cub was scolded with a sudden snare and body pounce as he got too close to her meal. So, the cubs were bored and wandered around or rested.


Two cubs started trotting down the road. People were scattered around so they cleared the way. Soon mamma bear and another cub pursued. They walked down the road to another walnut tree. The mamma ate as two cubs climbed the tree. The excitement ended as they walked into the woods and disappeared.


We as visitors can’t complain about the long line of cars. I sat in it for at least an hour. Cades Cove is their home—we are just visitors. 


Now you know the rest of the story. 


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

Thursday, October 7, 2021

Snap, Crackle, Pop!

“Snap, Crackle, Pop!”
Judy Royal Glenn Photography


A baby black bear was high in the cherry trees in Cades Cove, Tennessee. He was so high a mountain was visible in the background.


The mamma bear and her cubs enjoyed feasting on the cherries for quite a while. Mamma bear ripped apart the large limbs with her mouth, so she could pull the branch loaded with cherries within reach.


Amazingly, the bears know which branches will hold their weight. Meanwhile, they were snapping and crackling the branches and popping the cherries in their mouths.


Have you ever seen the bears up so high?


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

Monday, September 27, 2021

Hangin’ Out Until Cades Cove Re-opens

“Hangin’ Out Until Cades Cove Re-opens”

Judy Royal Glenn Photography


Part II - If you were wondering what the bears are doing while Cades Cove is closed…they are “Hangin’ Out.”


The wait is almost over for the Cades Cove Loop road to re-open due to repaving. Tomorrow, September 28, the Cove should re-open. Fingers crossed! 


The bears “told” me they have been hanging out and having a lot of fun. They sure missed us though:)


Backstory: In May, I found a bear while walking in the woods with friends. We found out the bear was a female when she crossed the road and called down her cubs from a tree. It was precious. This photo shows one of the cubs coming down.


 I named the mama bear Pepe. Pepe nursed the cubs, then they were on the move—fueled and ready to go. They crossed the road safely because a car stopped for them. 


They caused quite a commotion. The cubs played follow the leader on a downed tree, had a sumo wrestling match, peered at the tourist while standing on their hind legs, climbed up and down trees, and even picked out a Christmas tree for the family.


Pepe then “treed” the cubs a.k.a. told them which tree to climb and stay in. She then took a nap on a downed moss-covered tree. They finally crossed the road and disappeared.


It was an amazing day. I was happy that so many others were able to see the bears!


Are you ready to go back to the Cades Cove and see them again?


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

Tuesday, September 21, 2021

‘Strollin’ Wet Bear

“‘Strollin’ Wet Bear”

Judy Royal Glenn Photography


Well, if you’re wondering what the bears are doing because Cades Cove Loop Road is closed, look at this photo. They are probably strollin’ down Hyatt Lane without a care in the world.


I’m excited to see the new road. Hopefully, there will be more paved pull-offs so people will pull over when they see a bear and not block traffic.


The day I photographed this mama bear, she walked down Hyatt Lane with three cubs, two volunteers, and a few people in tow. The bears meandered around and enjoyed the greens covered by the fresh rain. 


I told my friend earlier, “Let’s go find some wet bears.” And that we did!


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

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