Wait 'till Bill hears what he missed!!

[starfire]

AND, the batteries were dead in his digital camera!!! Drats!!!

I looked out the window and there was a black bear lying in the yard maybe 11 yards from the window. He was hanging onto one of the bird feeders and licking the seeds out. The feeder was hanging on a limb and not real high so he just pulled it down and held on. At one point he was on his lying on his back. He was so funny and beautiful. Shiny black. He was also wearing a wide brownish looking collar. I suppose it was a tracking device of some sort but I wish they wouldn't put collars on them. I think that could be dangerous for them.

He just relaxed out there having a snack for a long time, then got up and ambled across the side yard and into the field going toward the creek.

I trotted down to our bridge in our driveway and saw him at the bigger creek's edge getting a drink, then he waded across and disappeared into the brush.

I don't think he was too old because he wasn't real big. Bigger than I'd want to meet face to face but he didn't really look like an older bear. Also, he didn't seem to have a lot of fat on him (not that he was skinny either).

I wanted so badly to get a picture, but at least I got to see him.

I'm surprised he didn't tear down all the feeders and eat all the seeds. He even left some in the feeder he did snack from.

This has just MADE my day!!

[TendrTummy]

LOL Shirley, that's wonderful!!! Close encounter of the BEAR kind!!!

Be aware tho, since you live in a place where obviously there are bears.. keep your garage door closed and keep your garbage inside the garage!!! I've heard too many stories of bears wandering into a garage, lured by the smell of garbage, and an unsuspecting victim opening their garage door only to come face to face with a bear, who would then feel threatened and attack. That would NOT be cool!!!!

Anyway, I hope it's not a young bear, as you'd mentioned, because the one danger I can think of that collars present is choking on an animal who's not yet reached their full size. There was a recent case I heard of in the news (can't recall where it took place) where a woman was arrested for neglect and animal abuse. Some neighbors had called the police because her dog was wandering the neighborhood, whimpering. The collar the dog was wearing hadn't been loosened since the dog was a pup!!! It was choking her and was GROWN into her skin. They had to surgically remove it. The surgery costed thousands and I guess she survived and was available for adoption soon after.. but I wouldn't think a bear would be anyone you'd want to deal with if their collar got that tight!!!!

Christine

[Mars]

WOW - What a wonderful story! It is always neat to see animals doing their thing without a care in the world!

What a great way to start your day!

[Polly]

Shirley,

Ooooooh, I'm so jealous. Up close and personal with a black bear. Aren't they wonderful creatures? So clever and gentle. We have them in western MD. BTW, you are a pretty lady - love your avatar.

Christine!

LOL!! I just read the last paragraph in your above post and then the quote under your name immediately afterwards! Funny juxtapositioning of sentiments! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA.

Love,

Polly

[tex]

Hi Shirley,

That's an interesting way to start the day, all right. I agree that a collar kind of spoils the esthetics of the situation, but look at the bright side--it the bear eats someone, it's easy to track down. LOL.

Love,
Tex

[MaggieRedwings]

Hi Shirley,

I am like Polly and envy you the sighting. I have been close to them in other states but not here in PA. Send him down my way.

Maggie

[TendrTummy]

LOL Polly, I didn't even think of that.. :)

Christine

[Umber]

How exciting is that!

Lori

[moremuscle]

Wow!! A bear in the yard, Shirley

I think Bill will be jealous when he hears about your experience but if you keep the bird feeders filled the bear might return. Have the camera ready!

Love,
Karen