Black Bears

Toyboy · May 31, 2014

We live in a 10ac wooded area and seeing an occasional bear is not uncommon. But last nite a mom & 3 cubs were checking out the back yard. I think it's the same family that were around last year. We don't have pets or leave garbage out to attract them. so no big deal We moved to where they live. We do have some hummingbird feeders out, but hopefully since they didn't find anything to draw them back they'll look elsewhere and leave the feeders alone.

The reason I think it's the same family is because she headed right to our small apple orchard and stood on her hind legs checking to see if the apples were ready yet. Thankfully we've just got blossoms right now. Cute to see & watch, but not something you'd want to encourage to return. Wish I'd gotten a couple pix.

prosperity · May 31, 2014

Black bears are common here. With our dog (200# English Mastiff) it presents a challenge at times. When he goes out for his final pee of the night after dark, we've had some issues. He is never tied or on a leash.

Just happened last week - let him out and he always does a scan left and right from the porch before proceeding. By the time I walked out right behind him, the was a large bear only 30' from the porch. Now usually he is good about not chasing deer, but for some reason he will run after elk and bear - I guess because those are the only wild critters that are bigger than him. Anyway, the chase was on, but he stopped short after a 40 yard sprint. Good thing the bear didn't turn around to swat him as it would have been a mess. I estimate this bear to be ~400#.

So I got myself one of those battery operated high output spot lights. The routine now is I go out first and spot light the area around the house and field, then let him out.

Same thing goes for skunks - had that issue 2 years ago and certainly don't want to go through that again!

Jstpssng · May 31, 2014

They're around my place also, I can see where they work the old trees stumps looking for ants. I often see them in August as they're headed up to the abandoned blueberry field in back of me. Last year I was standing on my deck planning my day when one strolled up past my shed 40 feet away. My dog also gets excited by bears and moose (we don't have elk around here) so I was glad that he was inside.

oosik · May 31, 2014

People who have lived here longer than me say we have black bear but after 32 years I've not seen any nor any sign. I do go out every night and scan the yard for skunks & porcupines. The deer are always in the yard because I have a large lawn and they help keep it mowed. I've been extremely lucky regarding skunks & porkys - not a single encounter in all my time here.
MY one encounter was with a badger. I turned and walked away from his den, he began a rapid pursuit, I was luckily carrying a shotgun - it wasn't his lucky day. After this episode I would hate to see the outcome if I had not had a weapon. Until that day I had no idea how big & many teeth a badger had nor how very fast they could travel.

Stimw · May 31, 2014

Just don't put a Hammock and you will be OK

Black bear hanging out in Daytona Beach hammock | News - Home

Toyboy · May 31, 2014

Stimw said:
Just don't put a Hammock and you will be OK

Black bear hanging out in Daytona Beach hammock | News - Home

Is that cool........or What!!

jerrybob · May 31, 2014

We have black bears but down the road about 40 miles......there is a lady getting in some trouble for feeding them.....we know a couple who lives about a block away from her....have seen 7 bears in her yard one time. Unfortunately......many of her "pets" are being put down......

Bear-Feeding Case Will Go To Court In A First For Washington | NW News Network

Gary Fowler · May 31, 2014

That is typical of what happens when folks think they are doing the animals a favor by feeding them. Alligators, bears, cougars etc become unafraid of man and if not fed, then they sometimes attack but always come right into human population and do what ever they want because they aren't afraid of getting hurt. THEN they have to be put down to protect the humans including the one that fed them. So sad but it happens more than folks realize.

cqaigy2 · May 31, 2014

We have some move thru from time to time, but fortunately they keep going.

SIMassey · Jun 1, 2014

Toyboy said:
We live in a 10ac wooded area and seeing an occasional bear is not uncommon. But last nite a mom & 3 cubs were checking out the back yard. I think it's the same family that were around last year. We don't have pets or leave garbage out to attract them. so no big deal We moved to where they live. We do have some hummingbird feeders out, but hopefully since they didn't find anything to draw them back they'll look elsewhere and leave the feeders alone.

The reason I think it's the same family is because she headed right to our small apple orchard and stood on her hind legs checking to see if the apples were ready yet. Thankfully we've just got blossoms right now. Cute to see & watch, but not something you'd want to encourage to return. Wish I'd gotten a couple pix.

Send them over to the Country Market in Hayward. A bear hung out in the beer cooler there several years ago.