Community Chat

[Disneylandfan]

I've been arms distance from a bear. Was at a camp as a counselor and at night was heading to the mess hall for a meeting. Might not have even seen the bear but someone opened the door for the mess hall and the light lit up the woodsy area I was walking in.

We looked at each other. I stayed still and he went on his way. I was scared and excited at the same time. He didn't look full grown but was still large. I say he could have been a she.

[issiestorm]

On 11/26/2014 Disneylandfan said:

I've been arms distance from a bear. Was at a camp as a counselor and at night was heading to the mess hall for a meeting. Might not have even seen the bear but someone opened the door for the mess hall and the light lit up the woodsy area I was walking in.

We looked at each other. I stayed still and he went on his way. I was scared and excited at the same time. He didn't look full grown but was still large. I say he could have been a she.

Well, if that had been me I would have just passed out from pure fright.

[AngusandBuddhasMom]

The murder of the bear because it appeared stalkish is ridiculous. Here in NJ hunters are killing bears with little regard. They were in his territory senseless death.

[jubilant]

Wow, this is sad. I wouldn't go into a woods with known wild animals like bears and cougars ever....without a gun. All animals can be unpredictable.

[issiestorm]

On 11/26/2014 Caravaggio said: The murder of the bear because it appeared stalkish is ridiculous. Here in NJ hunters are killing bears with little regard. They were in his territory senseless death.

I agree with this. The same can be said for wolves.

[AngusandBuddhasMom]

On 11/26/2014 Issiestorm said:

On 11/26/2014 Caravaggio said: The murder of the bear because it appeared stalkish is ridiculous. Here in NJ hunters are killing bears with little regard. They were in his territory senseless death.

I agree with this. The same can be said for wolves.

ITA.

[LyndaGee]

Yes, I heard about this today. Terrible.

This past summer, on the news, there was a segment on what to do when confronted by a bear: No eye contact, back up slowly, remain silent, and if all else fails, roll up into a ball. I don't know - I'm afraid I'd panic.

[terrier3]

I have a friend who lives in the woods in the Adirondacks. He carries an air horn.

He hunts too, but doesn't carry a gun unless he's hunting.

[jlkz]

Bear habitat seems to be spreading and intersecting with communities on the fringe of woodland settings. There are bears in the area of our mountain place: rules state no bird feeders. Well, my neighbor has one and this spring I watched as a juvenile bear reared up on his haunches and with his paws " unscrewed " ( tore apart ) a metal feeder mounted on a tall stand ! No exaggeration ! The advice given above as to what to do when confronted by a bear is right on. May you never need to use it.

[jlkz]

Back home in the Philly suburbs, there were many stories and videos of young male bears looking for their own marked territory. Videos showed one young male stretched out on the top bar of a child's swing set at or near a day care center. Closer to home, there was a youngster searching around the woods near a housing development and post office ! It seems in spring the young males are off to find their own place. Be care this spring!