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![\"\"](\"https:\/\/blog.kootenay-lake.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/blackbear211004bs.jpg\")
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From August until the snow flies, I keep an eye out at the valley bottoms for black bears. Five were seen apparently fattening up for hibernation: the first two fancied fish; others chose apples. Only the last two stuck around long enough for pictures for they were spotted asleep high in an apple tree.\u00a0<\/p>\n
A century ago, this valley had many orchards: apples, pears, plums, and cherries. That industry died, but descendants of those trees linger. It is likely that only the wildlife knows where all of the remaining trees are.<\/p>\n
A black bear cub snoozed on a branch high in an apple tree. Below it, and partially hidden by the trunk, was another sleeping bear (mommy?).
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At one point, the cub lifted its head and drowsily glanced at the distant interlopers.
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From August until the snow flies, I keep an eye out at the valley bottoms for black bears. Five were seen apparently fattening up for hibernation: the first two fancied fish; others chose apples. Only the last two stuck … Continue reading