Don't Throw Caution to the Wind

We moved into the open field, all the time watching the line of trees and shrubs off to our left. Near the tree line the big, black bear eyed us cautiously. 

Nearby a very young cub played near the trunk of the tree uncaring, or unknowing of our presence. 

The mother bear was not so oblivious, and she watched our every move. We stopped and watched them for a time. She stared back at us from the protection of the trees and shrubs. It was not long before we took into account our vulnerability. About that same time the mother must have realized her vulnerability and that of her cub as well. 

As we began a slow retreat back toward the car, she reached up and pulled the cub down from the tree, and soon they disappeared in the underbrush in the distance. We were well within the Smoky Mountain National Park. Watching cautiously over our shoulder we reached the car and left the area without incident.