Hello Everyone,
It's been a whirlwind of activity here at Wilder's Last Resort. Last week, as we were heading out of the front door to attend a funeral, we saw this bear in our lot, enjoying the appetizers in the neighbor's non-bear-proof garbage cans. Needless to say, we were late for the funeral since we weren't taking one step outside the cabin. Much to our chagrin, we learned that our air horn had absolutely no impact on this bear. The horn from a car passing by didn't make an impression either. I guess the bear figured out we were all bark and no bite. I think it's time for a bear blaster, a non-lethal bear management tool.
I like this photo as it shows you the size of the bear compared to the propane tank. It's a big bear folks.....maybe it's full of gas 😁. I'm making light of this very serious situation. The bears lived here first, and we have to learn to live with them, and always be on alert.
My friend sent me this sort of tongue in cheek warning from the National Park Service. Our bears are black bears, not Grizzly bears. I have heard the bears huff and woof when I got too close, even when I didn't know they were there. It's a bit disconcerting! Luckily I was right by my own front door when this happened last year.
If a bear clacks its teeth, sticks out its lips, huffs, woofs, or slaps the ground with its paws, it is warning you that you are too close and are making it nervous. The bear’s nervous? Heed this warning and slowly back away. What else should you do or not do if you come across a bear in Yellowstone?
Do not immediately drop to the ground and “play dead.” Bears can sense overacting.
Do not run, shout, or make sudden movements.
Do not run up and push the bear and do not push a slower friend down…even if you feel the friendship has run its course.
Running may trigger a chase response in the bear and you can't outrun a bear. Bears in Yellowstone chase down elk calves all the time. You do not want to look like a slow elk calf. (Apologies to the elk calf.)
Slowly putting distance between yourself and the bear may defuse the situation.
Draw your bear spray from the holster, remove the safety tab, and prepare to use it if the bear charges.
In most cases, climbing a tree is a poor decision. Bears can climb trees (especially if there is something up the tree that the bear wants). Also, when was the last time you climbed a tree?
Running to a tree or frantically climbing a tree may provoke a bear to chase you. If the friend you pushed down somehow made it up a tree and is now extending you a hand, there’s a good chance you’re not getting up that tree. Karma’s a bear.
Learn more bear safety tips at https://www.nps.gov/yell/learn/nature/bearreact.htm
Here is a new sign I found last week on our way back from the funeral. I would say it was perfect timing.
Lynn
Wow! Just WOW! I think you need to have a talk with those bear-baiting neighbors!
ReplyDeleteI sent them a picture of the garbage. I'm not sure who picked it up in their absence. Even the best of bear bins are not match for a bear. We take our garbage directly to the dump.
ReplyDeleteOh my, I am so sorry you are having to deal this. It is a huge problem and I'm sure the options to discourage their visits are limited. Stay safe!
ReplyDeletewow is right. Those rascally bears. The sign is perfect and very much to the point. Be safe.
ReplyDeleteMaybe it’s time the community association deals with the neighbor? Perhaps that’s why you’re seeing so many on your deck, but then you already know that! I’m glad to see the humor in the park service….I like that they’re “ changing with the times”, unlike some of us “seasoned” folks!
ReplyDeleteSooo sorrry for your uninvited guest.
ReplyDeleteToo bad there isn't something the bears dont like that can be liberally disbursed around the cabin... preferably something non offensive to us. Take care, Sharon McD
Oh Lynn...what a post! As I re-read the Park Service Rules a thought came to mind: If you walk with bears, choose your friends wisely!!!! ;D
ReplyDelete