Bear hibernating under house.

[jim_wilson]

I agree with DannyD, there has to be other methods of getting rid of the bear other than shooting it. One thing to "bear" in mind is that you could shoot this one but that is not going to prevent another bear from coming along and doing the same thing. If your truly wants to solve this problem he may have to alter some of his behavior as far as storing food at the cabin and once the bear has left his cabin he will probably have to block off that area the bear took up residence in somehow. One thing he has going for him is that I don't believe the life span of bears in the wild is all that long anyway - so the problem with this particular bear may solve itself even if he doesn't shoot it.

If he wants some more insights into bear behavior he might want to pick up the book: Among the Bears: Raising Orphaned Cubs in the Wild . This guy actually raised orphaned bear cubs and put them back into the wild and has very good insights into bear behavior - including problem bears that get too close to people - mostly for food. One of the things I remember him writing is that bears will communicate with other bears about food sources - so again - shooting this particular bear will in all likelihood not permanently solve the problem.

 

[Docsknotinn]

LOL Yeah next time call PETA. Maybe they will come out and sing camp fire songs, hold the fuzzy little guys paw and talk him into moving someplace nice.....like LA ! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
Call me crazy if you like but it seems to me the problem is solved.....PERMANENTLY ! /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

 

[_RaT_]

"shooting this particular bear will in all likelihood not permanently solve the problem."

Your right Jim. It certainly makes us realize that we may need to indeed reconsider what we leave up there food wise. Either hoping we don't get hit or attempting to make our cabin stronger would be wishful thinking. It is amazing to hear the chatter from folks on either extreme.

 

[Junkman]

Next time they should build the cabin on a slab... no place for the bear to get under. Problem solved and everyone is happy... /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[_RaT_]

Good point but it's on a slope so it would involve a lot of concrete and fill. A better crawl space cover would have helped (we will be looking at ours this summer) and the access hole from the closet into the house should probably be eliminated. This story is still making the papers. At least 15 different articles.

 

[Docsknotinn]

Controlling what you leave in the cabin is by far the best method. It has worked well for us but like my friend Junky said we have a concrete floor. That won't stop a problem bear from breaking windows and doors. Several of my neighbors still have not learned that leaving food, trash or seed is a really bad idea. Sadly once the Black Bear develops this sort of behavior the only remedy is to eliminate the animal or move him to a very remote area. That's a bit of a problem when you are in the remote area. I know that sounds harsh to some folks. One of the problems in our area is the local DNR is trapping problem bears and dumping them on our private community. Luckily we have a lot of land for them to roam but if food is left you know what to expect. Dealing with a situation like yours is about as fun as putting down a favorite horse or other pet that has been hit by a car. Control the food and I'm betting you will never have another problem.

 

[Junkman]

You could always feed them far from the cabin and lace the food with Valium. That would keep them fat and happy. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[billbill1]

I guess the 6-1/2 lbs. of pure poodle terror that we have keeps them away from our house, I've never seen a bear here in Kansas.

 

[Docsknotinn]

Luckily for us our cabin is on high ground and the blackies love the cedars so everyone is happy ! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif My next door neighbor has a few problems with one big old boar that really loves his pick up. I keep telling him to leave the jelly donuts at home ! /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif