JACKSON, Wyo. — Snow does not always equal immediate hibernation, apparently!
Buckrail photographer Nick Sulzer encountered a black bear and two cubs climbing around a snowy evergreen near Grand Teton National Park this week.
One of the cubs is visible behind its parent, who seems to be making direct eye contact with the photographer. Time to keep moving!
Sulzer also saw the bear open its mouth, perhaps emitting a silent scream for more berries.
Before entering their den for the winter, bears become eating machines, consuming up to 20,000 calories per day to bulk up for survival. According to the National Park Service, black bears are expected to den up by the end of the month, with grizzlies following suit in November.
