A black bear... 'yawning' ...I think

[jckegley]

I photographed this little fellow a year and a half ago. I found him sleeping in a Wild Cherry tree. My movement beneath the tree stirred and woke him. I think this is a yawn. I'm guessing he was between 1 and 2 years.

Technically not a great photo. The biggest problem is probably I am not eye level with him (I'm on the ground.... he's in a tree) and of course the high contrast. But kids seem to like this photo a lot.

Cades Cove Black Bears (http://www.wildlifesouth.com/Locations/Tennessee/CadesCove.html)

[jckegley]

Oops, I forgot...

Canon 1D Mark II N
500mm
1/1600th sec
F 4.5
ISO 400

[rpk717]

Hey Joe,

I like it, it's very sharp focus and there is extra appeal other than the great subject. I don't mind the "looking up" part of the image but I would rather have a blue sky.

I think the tongue sticking out was a message to you for disturbing his sleep.;)

[mrsisu]

I too like the image and of course very natural to look and shoot up in this case. The tongue out is his signal that he was going to come down soon for lunch:D

[ecarlisle]

I love that shot. It made me smile!
Eleanor

[donnaeaton]

A great shot Joe! What a great moment!:)

[mark]

I think he is trying to get a taste of you thru the air!

[Photobiologist]

I bet that one is popular with little folks because this bigger folks likes it too! I think metering for the bear was the right choice in this situation.