Bear and Cubs in Little River Canyon

This photo of a mother black bear and her cubs was taken with a game camera in Little River National Preserve in September of 2012. It was one of the first pieces of documented evidence acquired by Auburn University scientist Todd Steury that the bear population in that area was viable. Researchers place bait out and then string barbed wire to collect hair from the approaching bears. The hair allows the scientists to assess the health of the animals without trapping them.

Photo courtesy of Todd Steury, Auburn University