Nate Nelson said he goes out every other year to look for cubs around Cades Cove. Author: John North Updated: 2:16 PM EDT May 11, 2021 Even from a distance of 75 yards, wildlife photographer Nate Nelson gets nervous taking pictures of black bear cubs in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Credit: Nate Nelson A mother and cubs lounging in Cades Cove in April 2021. A mama bear could suddenly decide it's time to move on -- and lead her little family straight in his direction. Wild animals have their own way of doing things -- a fact humans sometimes forget. Nelson, of Sevier County, shared some of his pictures from a late April outing in the park to look for cubs. The images are the first he's shot this spring of the young animals.