🐻🌹“Ever Vigilant”🐻🌹

 

🐻🌹“Ever Vigilant”🐻🌹

Judy Royal Glenn Photography

A mama’s job is never done. That includes

the black bear sow, especially when she has four cubs.

There is so much to do. She has to teach

them how to climb trees, find water and food sources, and protect them from

harm from male bears, coyotes, and bobcats. The list goes on and on.

Thanks for all you do!

Happy Mother’s 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

 

#CadesCove #GreatSmokyMountainsNationalPark #blackbears #bearphotos #bearphoto #bearphotography #GSMNP #CadesCoveTennessee #blackbear #SmokyMountains #smokies #GreatSmokyMountains 

“Eye of the Tiger”

“Eye of the Tiger”

Three black bears play in an open field.

 

Cades Cove is always magical, but May and June were off the charts. There were bears everywhere. One day, I saw 31 different bears. Bears are my jam!

 

Most sows will have cubs during the odd years—it just works out that way.

 

On May 2nd, three cubs played in an open field. The unseen video frames showed the closest bear body-slammed one cub and had him pinned down for a long time. He was irritated and took his aggression out on his innocent sibling, who was minding his own business. The fight begins.

I miss seeing the cubs when they were tiny.  

 

Please feel free to visit my website:
https://www.judyroyalglennphotography.com/

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

#CadesCove #GreatSmokyMountainsNationalPark #GSMNP #CadesCoveTennessee #SmokyMountains #smokies #GreatSmokyMountains #Christianphotography #Christianphotographer #Godscreation #Godscreationisamazing #landscapephotos #landscape

“Black Bear Cub Teething on Wire”

“Black Bear Cub Teething on Wire”

Judy Royal Glenn Photography

 

What I love about photography is you never know what is around the corner. It could be nothing, and you search and search, or a cute black bear cub teething on the wire on a fence. 

 

Was I wowed to watch this black bear cub. I was delighted, to say the least.

 

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

 

 Please feel free to share and 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  #CadesCoveTN #GSMNP #CadesCoveTennessee #blackbear #SmokyMountains #smokies #GreatSmokyMountains 

At the End of the Trail

“At the End of the Trail”

 Judy Royal Glenn Photography

At the end of the trail, you can take many different directions. Which way should you go? One can even turn around and go back the other way.

These black bear cubs in Cades Cove, Tennessee, knew the best way.

What you don’t see in this photograph is the one who knows the best way to go—mama bear. The cubs just need to follow.

The same is with following Jesus. He knows the right path for you and will guide you. We need to be willing. Sometimes we think we know what's best only to turn out it isn’t. The choices of our own volition can have a detrimental effect.

Are you following Him?

It’s as simple as ABC. A — Admit that you are a sinner. (Romans 3:23)    

B — Believe that Jesus, God’s only son, was born and died on the cross for your sins. (Acts 16:31)

C — Confess and repent of your sins and ask Him to be Lord of your life. (1 John 1:9)

 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  #CadesCoveTN #GSMNP #CadesCoveTennessee #blackbear #SmokyMountains #smokies #GreatSmokyMountains 

Who’s Out There?

“Who’s Out There?” 

Judy Royal Glenn Photography

 

Watching the spring cubs is my favorite thing to do in Cades Cove, Tennessee. I love when they stand on their hind legs to look for Ma or to people watch.

 

I watched a yearling stand on his hind legs for two minutes this week. It’s easy to calculate when the series of photos are time stamped. I also love hearing the oohs and ahhs of the crowds!

 Please feel free share and go to Judy Royal Glenn Photography on FB and click on the “Shop Now” button to go to my website:)

 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 #CadesCoveTN #GSMNP #CadesCoveTennessee #blackbear #smokymountains #smokies #GreatSmokyMountains

“Just That One”

 

“Just That One”

Judy Royal Glenn Photography

One of the photographs I treasure getting in Cades Cove, Tennessee, is a baby black bear riding his mama’s back. 

There are a few mama bears in the Cove that have three cubs. One baby bear tends to stay by himself more than the others. One seems to be playing with the grass or staring out into space while the others brawl, biting each other profusely. Maybe the baby bear on its mother’s back is just that one.

 Please feel free share and 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 #CadesCoveTN #GSMNP #CadesCoveTennessee #blackbear #smokymountains #smokies #GreatSmokyMountains 

 

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

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

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

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:

https://www.instagram.com/judyroyalglennphotography/

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

“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

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

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

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