>>Unaware of his own impact, Shenandoah's largest wanderer goes about his day, leaving behind more than just footprints.

With winter approaching, this black bear wastes no time, eating everything he can, while the good times last, even if this means going to great heights.

Like his peers, he's an expert climber, stripping entire vines of wild grapes, which turns out is just what the vines need.

Eagerly filling his belly, he swallows the fruit whole, seeds and all.

Lured by the sweet scent and his hunger, the bear suddenly finds himself in a sticky situation.

The higher he goes, the thinner the branches.

(steady music) But the grapes look very tempting.

The risk may be worth it.

(quirky music) On second thought, maybe not.

With a sense of smell 2,000 times more effective than humans, he'll find other spots for sustenance.

As winter nears and food becomes increasingly scarce, this bear wanders for miles in search of his next meal.

Moving about the forest, he carries the vines seeds to far off locations, spreading them as he goes about his business.

As a keystone species, this bear quietly shapes the forest, sparking plant regeneration wherever he roams.

But the black bear's vital role almost disappeared.

When Shenandoah was founded in 1935, few black bears roamed the forest.

Thanks to federal protection, hundreds thrive here today, like this one.

(steady music) As winter takes hold, black bears across the park fall into states of deep sleep, called torpor.

Though easily awakened, their heart rate and breathing decrease, allowing them to survive for months on body fat alone.

And while time seems to pause in their world, the seeds they've left behind take root, waiting for their moment to rise again.

(bright music)