Bear seen enjoying sunrise over Mt. Washington in New Hampshire

BRETTON WOODS, NH (WGME) -- An employee at the Omni Mount Washington Resort managed to take a beautiful photo of a black bear watching the sunrise over Mount Washington on June 29.

Sam Geesaman said he was working the overnight shift and wanted to watch the sunrise over the mountain off the back veranda of the hotel around 5 a.m. when he spotted a bear coming up the stairs to investigate a nearby trash can.

“I notified other hotel staff that we had a bear on the back veranda and that I would be attempting to keep the area clear of guests so they didn't walk into a morning surprise,” Geesaman said. “While following behind it, attempting to usher it to the nearest exit, the bear decided to hop up on the rail and enjoy the sunrise as I had intended to do myself.”

Geesaman said after he made a few loud stomps and claps, the bear headed to the nearest wooded area for a “quieter sunrise viewing.”

He said the Omni Mount Washington Resort works to notify guests that they are in bear country and they should not approach them.

“They need to be left alone when they show themselves in public places,” Geesaman said.

Geesaman also added that folks should not leave food out that could entice them.

Geesaman’s photo has gone viral with more than 22,000 shares on Facebook.