Bear!

This Black Bear was casually strolling down the road in Cottonwood Canyon, NV, when I came across it (or it came across me). As you can see from the rather tall plant growth in the middle of the road, this is not a high-use canyon. The bear didn't seem too impressed with my presence. It sniffed the air a little bit before slowly ambling into a willow thicket. I am always impressed at how quiet such a large animal can be. Despite the willows' impenetrable appearance, I heard nothing of its passage once it disappeared from view.