Every autumn, black bears can be observed in neighbourhoods and forests in the Thompson-Okanagan region as they seek out food sources to fatten up for winter.

Bears are commonly spotted in trees, either foraging for nuts and seeds or taking refuge from danger.

Once in awhile, they’re caught snoozing on the branches, seemingly without a care in the world, giving them a much less daunting appearance.

A bear is sound asleep on a branch. — A bear sleeps soundly in a tree at Loon Lake west of Kamloops. SUBMITTED/Kimm Davis

Adult bears typically sleep on the ground and will only occasionally climb a tree for a brief nap to escape humidity on hot days or take refuge from disturbances, according to Biology Insights. It’s far more common for cubs to sleep in trees for safety from predators.

A sleeping bear is arguably adorable when stretched out on a tree branch among the leaves with their paws dangling down. Fortunately, wildlife photographers in the region captured footage of a few of them this year.

If you have an awesome bear photo to contribute, send it to news@infonews.ca.