Occurred on June 4, 2021 / Sevierville, Tennessee, USA
Info from Licensor: "At our annual girls' trip to the Smokey Mountains National Park, our friend who owns the cabin warned us about bear sightings. We took a lovely bike ride around Cades Cove and spotted 9 or so, in fields, up trees, and always from a distance. Park rangers and volunteers couldn't stress enough that people are to always keep a safe distance from bears. On our last morning there, one of my friends opened the front door of our cozy cabin, looked out, and stated, 'People! We have a bear and her two cubs playing on the hammock!' The three of us ran out and observed them playing, from the porch. We were enthralled of course. It was evident that this was not the first time they played there. As they had their game down pat and it was fun for them, to be sure. Rolling and tumbling on the hammock and on the ground, all three played and attempted to stay in the hammock for about 10 minutes. It was a joyful scene to witness. I just turned 60 and can say that it was indeed the most exciting wildlife sighting I've ever experienced."