![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipOwLHQFOg7OEqsRq3ZJJeLjXgrzCLRy8rxJy2aWmKQSUW_s1xX6aFVGCWX3ZzuGNtdYrc_WQOd1q1hx5RGLsoShNJFU6Jd5aPUoPtkthICsd7T289bG_TiNp_85OIGGRssiOlQrm1V84P/s400/Mendenhall+Black+Bear+05.15.07+Low+Res.jpg)
The Juneau area is in the middle of the Tongass National Rainforest -- the largest temperate rainforest in North America at 17 million acres. It is home to many black and brown (grizzly) bears. This two-year-old black bear recently awoke from hibernation and began foraging near the Mendenhall Glacier visitor center on a busy day. He ended up spending a good 20 minutes in the tree, eating and checking out the visiting cruise ship passengers.
-- Christopher