Black Bear Ground Nest

Black bears can den in many different places. In the base of a hollow or uprooted tree. In caves or rock cavities or under a brush pile, to name a few. But sometimes one will construct a “ground nest“ which actually resembles a large bird nest. After watching a mother black bear raising four cubs in a ground nest hidden within a winter swamp, I witnessed a setting that portrayed comfort, coziness and warmth surrounded by snow and cold. The four energetic cubs feeding, sleeping, wrestling, playing and growing under the shelter and care of mother bear.