We drove some pretty remote sections of the Park along the ridges above the Parkway and the Cherokee Reservation.  There were great vistas and a quiet that made falling leaves seem loud.  It was a good excursion but, no bears to be seen.

But back in the town of Cherokee my wish for a bear sighting was fulfilled, sort of.

Proud, brave, wise, and at one with nature.  Life size statues of the noble black bear stand street side.  They have been painted by Native American artists to reflect elements of the Cherokee culture and beliefs.  It is powerful imagery.