Photo: James Fradley

UPDATE: 2:04 p.m.

Our on-the-spot photographer shared the story of the photos this afternoon.

James Fradley said it was the third time his group has spotted bears on The Rise course in Vernon, but this was the first time it was a cub on its own.

"Usually we see a couple of cubs with their mom, lounging near or on the golf course. This time it was a single cub, probably just a year old or so," Fradley said.

"We stepped up to the sixth hole tee box to see this young cub by himself dancing around and playing with the flag stick," Fradley said. "He eventually pulled the whole flag and cup out and wandered off to the side of the green, taking the flag stick with him, but thankfully he dropped it not too far from the green.

He said they were able to pick up the flag and cup on their way through, and they called the groundskeepers to let them know what happened to their stick.

The photo evidence likely helped their story.

ORIGINAL: 12:15 p.m.

It's unclear whether this bear was competing in a scavenger hunt or accepting a dare, but it succeeded in nabbing a golf flag from a hole at The Rise golf course in Vernon on Saturday.

James Fradley captured the images of the cub theft during a round.

If you see a golf flag listed for sale on Kijiji with questionable spelling, be aware it is likely stolen.