In this story:

• Out of hiding
• Related stories and sites

ANDREWS, North Carolina (CNN) -- Despite an intensified manhunt by about 200 law officers, Eric Rudolph, one of the FBI's Ten Most Wanted fugitives, continues to elude capture in the rugged mountains of western North Carolina.

A helicopter with infrared sensors capable of detecting signs of life on the ground is said to have been of limited use so far because of the heavy canopy of trees covering the 30-square-mile search area.

It includes portions of the Nantahala National Forest and is honeycombed with caves, cliffs and slippery rocks. It is home to bears, wild boar and poisonous snakes.

Rudolph, suspected in the fatal bombing of a clinic where abortions are performed, apparently has been hiding in woods he knows well, living off the land and provisions he took when he disappeared six months ago.

George Nordmann did not open his health food store Thursday, days after Rudolph reportedly stole food from him

Since then, the southern Appalachians have provided sanctuary for the outdoorsman who authorities think killed an off-duty policeman and maimed a nurse in the January 29 bombing at the New Woman All Women Clinic in Birmingham, Alabama.

Rudolph also is wanted for questioning in three Atlanta-area bombings, including the deadly blast during the 1996 Olympics.

Out of hiding

Rudolph came out of hiding last week, stealing a pickup truck and 50-75 pounds of food from the home of George Nordmann, an acquaintance who lives near Nantahala Lake, about 10 miles east of Andrews.

A law enforcement tracker searches the area

Nordmann owns a health food store in Andrews.

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported Thursday that investigators discovered what they believe was a vantage point from which Rudolph watched Nordmann's home.

The newspaper said authorities think Rudolph watched the 71-year-old man's home for several days before approaching it July 7. The truck and food are believed to have been stolen on July 9.

Nordmann reported the missing items -- and his encounter with Rudolph -- on July 11.

The stolen truck was found July 13 a few miles from the lake and near where Rudolph once lived in Murphy, North Carolina.

Nordmann has "gone into seclusion," the Charlotte (North Carolina) Observer reported on its Web site. A sign on the door of his store reads: "Closed. Gone Fishing"