Welcome to CoveBear.com! - Black Bear Viewing And Photography

People often ask us where they can go to find wild black bears in the southeastern U.S. As professional wildlife photographers it would be irresponsible of us to lead people to exact spots where we have found bears. However, we can tell you the areas in the Southeast where we know bears live: Great Smoky Mountains National Park and surrounding Smoky Mountain Areas, The Blue Ridge, The Southern Appalachian Mountains, Nantahala Wilderness, Mark Trail Wilderness, Cherokee National Forest, Chattahoochee National Forest, Raven Cliffs Wilderness, several spots along the Appalachian Trail, Big Frog and Little Frog Wilderness, and more.

How can I find wild bears?

As with any kind of wildlife photography (or viewing), including bears, there are some things you need to know. The first thing is what does that animal eat? The second thing is where does it eat? The third thing is when does it eat? Knowing when and where an animal is likely to go looking for food greatly increases your chances of finding that animal. Because let's face it, food is their big thing. They will not survive if they don't find the right kinds of food. So research the animal you are seeking, learn all you can about it, and you will find it. With bears, in the autumn, look up! They are up in trees eating acorns and nuts.

You may also notice evidence ("sign") that black bears are in the area, such as pawprints in the dirt or mud, scat, bite marks on wooden road or trail signs, claw marks on a tree, hair left on the bark of a bear rub tree.

Bear Tracks on Trail

Often Hold Water After a Rain

But Soon Lose Their Shape

Bear Scat May Be Found On- or Off-Trail

Bear scat reveals what the bear has been eating

and how long ago the bear walked there.

A Bear Rub Tree

May Be A Tree Favored by Many Bears

You Will See Bear Fur on the Bark

These Three Bear Sign Photos

Copyright U.S. Geological Survey

Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center

Northern Divide Grizzly Bear Project

Photographs by W. Blomstedt

Used with Permission

Bears may rub on many different objects, such as trees, cabins, and utility poles.

These trees were rubbed by grizzlies, but black bears do this too.

Click here to watch video of a black bear rubbing on a tree!

Remote Video by U.S.G.S. J. Stetz & A. Mcleod

Glacier National Park, Montana

Bear Claw Tree

Copyright U.S. Geological Survey

Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center

Northern Divide Grizzly Bear Project

Claw Marks on Tree

Photograph by M. Szdylo

Used with Permission

This tree was scratched by a grizzly, but black bears do this too.

All types of bears leave sign.

Aren't all bear photographs of wild bears?

There are two kinds of bear photos, wild and tame. Many photographers take photos of tame [captive] bears.

A sharp eye can spot a photo of a tame bear. Tame bears suddenly thrust into a wild habitat frequently look bewildered or too excited. They become preoccupied with exploring. Tame bears are much fatter than wild bears, and they may not have claws. It is true that wild bears do put on a lot of weight before winter denning, however, even then they look different. Wild bears have a sleek look, they are extremely muscular, and their faces are not fat. The way they walk gives them away too. Wild bears are very preoccupied with survival. They don't waste steps and energy, except for cubs who play a lot. Video or film of tame bears does not impart a lot of wild bear behavior, and there is just not a lot going on. Video or film of wild bears shows them in obvious wild surroundings and doing lots of things that wild bears do. Wild bears are very preoccupied with finding food and staying alive.

Some pro photographers tell their viewers which is which, some don't. But let's face it, a good picture of a bear is a good picture of a bear. Some bear "purists" want to know which is which, but most people are satisfied with just seeing any bear. We have some wonderful shots of a few tame bears too, and we are proud of those. Personally, we really value the wild ones. People have asked us which is which, so we choose to label our photos of bears as wild or tame.

To a lot of people, the magic comes when you know that someone was really "out there" getting good pictures but being prepared to leave in an instant should the mood change. Sometimes you find out that the photographer got up a couple of hours before dawn to be on the trail at first light, or they went out in the cold and walked a long time in hopes of catching a glimpse of a bear (or another animal). They spend years learning about these animals, and they learn patience and perseverance. They learn how to stay safe. They learn how to act in the woods and on trails. They learn respect for the land and the animals they seek. They may or may not be expert with their equipment or technique, but they are expert at capturing images of wildlife. These photographers have paid their dues. They have worked for it. To some people that is important, and the combination of all of these things make the photo that much more cherished.

What are some tips for photographing black bears in the wild?

For safety: It is always a good idea to have a buddy with you when photographing bears in the wild. You should not both be on camera at the same time. Take turns, and always have one of you watching 360 degrees around you. Have UDAP on your belt. Learn all you can about bears and their behavior and typical reactions. Learn all you can about bear safety. Use all precautions. Observe the rules and laws of the land you are standing on. Get clearance, permits, and permission to be where you are and doing what you are doing. Always let someone know when you are going out there and when you expect to return. Know the hunting seasons in the area in which you will be doing photography - wear an orange vest and cap, or postpone your trek entirely. You don't want to be shot. Do not have food on you. Do not take other people to places where you have photographed wild bears. If you are watching an adult black bear, and you see a buck elk or deer or another adult bear enter the scene, back away or leave the area - you don't want to be in the middle of a stressful situation. If you come across a dead animal and you know you are in bear country, leave the area. Do not get close to wild bears, their babies, or their food - no photograph is worth your life.

For photographs: Bears are more active at night, but you can catch them at dusk and dawn much more often than in the daytime. Also bears are constantly on the move, so dress appropriately for the season you are in, and be prepared to climb through dense brush and cross streams. Watch for biting and stinging insects or their nests, poison ivy, snakes, and spiders. When you see a bear, have everything ready to go, and if you are on video or film, turn it on before you need it. That way, you can quickly focus when you finally aim - you will lose many more good shots than you actually get. Use a long lens when you can so that you can stay far away from the bear. Always use a tripod to get steady shots, either moving or still. If you do not have a tripod hold your breath for a while, or steady your arm against a tree. Invest in very good equipment. Try to have the sun at your back for good shots, since black bears are very dark blobs out there, but make do with the light you have. The bear will not wait for you to get into a good position, figure out your composition and angles, and calculate your lighting. By the time you do all that, the bear will be gone. Move slowly but think fast.

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