marsheatshamsters_28's Identifications

3801exinP

Flickr link https://www.flickr.com/photos/25171569@N02/53780084520/in/dateposted-public/

We came across this black bear while hiking Abrams Falls Trail in the Smokies. He was creeping out of the rhododendron to cross the trail and snatch a backpack that had been left aside while its owner was wading in the stream. He ended up grabbing the bag, and trying to get the stainless steel water bottle open.
When that failed he abandoned both, and sauntered further up the trail. We followed at a distance for about 10 minutes before he cut back down into the woods.