Well, I've had 3 visits now from a young bear. I presume it is a recently abandoned one sent out on it's own by a mama that has a new cub (or cubs). He (of course I don't know the gender but will refer to it as he) visited Friday evening before I brought in my feeders for the night. I let him snack for a while then made him aware of my presence. He promptly climbed up in a large Douglas Fir in the back yard. It is a distance from the porch so i hustled out and brought in the feeders. A little later he came down the tree and returned to look for seed on the ground. My neighbors shined a large flashlight on him and he climbed the fir tree again. After he came back I turned on the porch light and he finally left.
Sat morning (well past dawn and after I had hung out the feeders) he returned and promptly emptied the big feeder again. I again made noise, etc to make him leave.
This morning around 6 am he was on my back porch, standing on his hind legs and drinking the nectar out of one of my hummingbird feeders. Good Lord, now I have to bring them in also. When I made noise this time he dove over the porch railing and ran up the tree very near the porch. I retrieved the feeder and after a short time he came down. Then something disturbed him and he left again.
I hope this pesky "little one" decides to move on soon. I'm not sure of his age. not sure how big this years cubs should be right now but I think he's probably too big to be one. However he is quite small compared to an adult.
He really is as cute as he can be. I wish I had pictures but I can't find my camera. I have no idea what I did with it.
Love, Shirley
PA Bear Update
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PA Bear Update
When the eagles are silent, the parrots begin to jabber"
-- Winston Churchill
-- Winston Churchill
Hi Shirley,
He seems pretty persistent, so apparently he's willing to take a lot of risks to get to the feed. If he stayed small, he would just be a cute visitor, but unfortunately, he's going to continue to grow, and one of these days he's going to realize that nothing really bad happens to him when humans show up, and he's probably going to become progressively bolder. I'm no bear expert, by any means, but if he already doesn't hesitate to climb up on the porch to get at the feed, I'm afraid that as he gets bigger, (and more confident), he's going to either try to prevent you from taking the feed away, or he might go after the feed after you bring it in.
I hope I'm wrong.
Love,
Tex
He seems pretty persistent, so apparently he's willing to take a lot of risks to get to the feed. If he stayed small, he would just be a cute visitor, but unfortunately, he's going to continue to grow, and one of these days he's going to realize that nothing really bad happens to him when humans show up, and he's probably going to become progressively bolder. I'm no bear expert, by any means, but if he already doesn't hesitate to climb up on the porch to get at the feed, I'm afraid that as he gets bigger, (and more confident), he's going to either try to prevent you from taking the feed away, or he might go after the feed after you bring it in.
I hope I'm wrong.
Love,
Tex
It is suspected that some of the hardest material known to science can be found in the skulls of GI specialists who insist that diet has nothing to do with the treatment of microscopic colitis.
Me too, Tex. I'd hate to have to shoot him but I will if I have to. I do know that they cease to be afraid after a while when nothing bad happens from these "strange human creatures". I'm thinking about firing off a shotgun (not at him) next time he's here. Do you think that would help?
Love, Shirley
Love, Shirley
When the eagles are silent, the parrots begin to jabber"
-- Winston Churchill
-- Winston Churchill
It might. If he comes back after that, you'll know that he's not overly worried about it.Shirley wrote:I'm thinking about firing off a shotgun (not at him) next time he's here. Do you think that would help?
Of course, you could always call Animal Control, (or whatever the department is called in Pennsylvania), but, of course, that just transfers the problem to someone else in another location, unless they move him into an unpopulated area, and he stays put.
Tex
It is suspected that some of the hardest material known to science can be found in the skulls of GI specialists who insist that diet has nothing to do with the treatment of microscopic colitis.
Thanks for the advice. I don't know why I didn't think of doing that before. Could be the game commission around here.
I imagine, though, that they would tell me to stop feeding the birds. May have to but I'd sure hate to do that.
Love, Shirley
I imagine, though, that they would tell me to stop feeding the birds. May have to but I'd sure hate to do that.
Love, Shirley
When the eagles are silent, the parrots begin to jabber"
-- Winston Churchill
-- Winston Churchill
Maybe not. But these days, they may not have the funds/personnel available to handle anything but the most serious cases. It sort of appears that most animal control in Pennsylvania is handled by private companies that specialize in that service, and those services are not free, of course. Also, most Animal Control companies work in cities, rather than in rural areas. For example, if you check the following site, you'll see that bears are not even listed as an option, so obviously they're all city boys. 
http://www.aaanimalcontrol.com/professi ... lvania.htm
Many counties in western states have Animal Control departments, and sometimes several counties join together to sponsor a trapper. This is usually your best bet for larger animal control problems in rural areas. Those services used to be readily available, but these days, few locations have the money to be able to support them anymore. In Texas, for example, most services of that type, (if they exist at all), are supported by rancher members who join an organization that covers several counties, and keeps a trapper on call. The ranchers have to pay an annual fee, of course, which allows the trapper to eek out a meager living.
Unfortunately, I don't see anyone offering bear removal services in Pennsylvania, on the internet. You might be able to get some information from your local Game Warden, (or he might even offer to help). He, (or she), should at least be able to tell you where to look for help. Most states have state game law exemption allowances for damage control by large animals, and Pennsylvania is no exception, so if push comes to shove, lethal force is a legal option. Click on the link that says Chapter 21. Game or Wildlife Protection, at the following site, and scroll down to Subchapters B and C, to get an idea of your rights, (and the limitations).
http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/se ... 665&mode=2
The State even pays for verified bear damage claims to livestock, as you can see by clicking on Chapter 5. Fiscal Affairs, and scroll down to Subchapter D, but apparently other personal property damage is not eligible, (except for bees and beekeeping facilities). As you can see, bird feeders are not listed.
Sorry I can't be of more help.
Tex
http://www.aaanimalcontrol.com/professi ... lvania.htm
Many counties in western states have Animal Control departments, and sometimes several counties join together to sponsor a trapper. This is usually your best bet for larger animal control problems in rural areas. Those services used to be readily available, but these days, few locations have the money to be able to support them anymore. In Texas, for example, most services of that type, (if they exist at all), are supported by rancher members who join an organization that covers several counties, and keeps a trapper on call. The ranchers have to pay an annual fee, of course, which allows the trapper to eek out a meager living.
Unfortunately, I don't see anyone offering bear removal services in Pennsylvania, on the internet. You might be able to get some information from your local Game Warden, (or he might even offer to help). He, (or she), should at least be able to tell you where to look for help. Most states have state game law exemption allowances for damage control by large animals, and Pennsylvania is no exception, so if push comes to shove, lethal force is a legal option. Click on the link that says Chapter 21. Game or Wildlife Protection, at the following site, and scroll down to Subchapters B and C, to get an idea of your rights, (and the limitations).
http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/se ... 665&mode=2
The State even pays for verified bear damage claims to livestock, as you can see by clicking on Chapter 5. Fiscal Affairs, and scroll down to Subchapter D, but apparently other personal property damage is not eligible, (except for bees and beekeeping facilities). As you can see, bird feeders are not listed.
Sorry I can't be of more help.
Tex
It is suspected that some of the hardest material known to science can be found in the skulls of GI specialists who insist that diet has nothing to do with the treatment of microscopic colitis.
Hi Shirley,
I so enjoyed your bear story - too bad he (or she) can't stay young forever. I've been enjoying a beautiful, red fox "mama" going by my house with her "catch" every morning. I discovered that she had 4 pups and had nested in a neighbor's back yard. Today I went up to see if I could get a glimpse of them, but unfortunately, she was no longer there. The pups must have been big enough that she took them along somewhere else.
Anyhow, regarding "your" bear, I think I would stop feeding the birds for now. Chances are that if there is nothing for him to eat, he'll eventually stop showing up. At least you have a better chance at "training him" to stay away while he is still young. It's spring and will soon be summer, so the birds don't really need to be fed at this time of year. If you're successful at keeping the bear away, you can start feeding again when the cold weather comes around.
I went on a bird walk recently, and the leader said that all we need to do to keep the birds in our backyards is supply water. He stressed that this is much more important than feeding - who knew? I trust his opinion, as he has been an "official" at the Audubon Society in the greater Denver area for a long time.
Anyhow, just some "food" for thought.
Love,
Kari
I so enjoyed your bear story - too bad he (or she) can't stay young forever. I've been enjoying a beautiful, red fox "mama" going by my house with her "catch" every morning. I discovered that she had 4 pups and had nested in a neighbor's back yard. Today I went up to see if I could get a glimpse of them, but unfortunately, she was no longer there. The pups must have been big enough that she took them along somewhere else.
Anyhow, regarding "your" bear, I think I would stop feeding the birds for now. Chances are that if there is nothing for him to eat, he'll eventually stop showing up. At least you have a better chance at "training him" to stay away while he is still young. It's spring and will soon be summer, so the birds don't really need to be fed at this time of year. If you're successful at keeping the bear away, you can start feeding again when the cold weather comes around.
I went on a bird walk recently, and the leader said that all we need to do to keep the birds in our backyards is supply water. He stressed that this is much more important than feeding - who knew? I trust his opinion, as he has been an "official" at the Audubon Society in the greater Denver area for a long time.
Anyhow, just some "food" for thought.
Love,
Kari
"My mouth waters whenever I pass a bakery shop and sniff the aroma of fresh bread, but I am also grateful simply to be alive and sniffing." Dr. Bernstein
Shirley,
A friend in the Delaware Water Gap area often sees bears in and near their property. She has indeed seen a bear drink the sugar water from her hummingbird feeder. They keep an airhorn near the window, and I believe they do not leave the feeders out when they are not home (they're in the city some days each week). I've seen them near her home, and in wooded areas not far from there (NJ and NY as well as PA). I'm sure your guess is right that this is a juvenile who's about due to move out on his (her?) own... but not so good at it yet.
The good news is, you can feed the birds to your heart's content when the bears are hibernating, and our feathered friends need it the most. I think a few weeks off birdseed will send this particular bear wandering in a new direction. It's almost time for the elderberries and blueberries... serviceberries, too.
My young nephew spent a year with us, and I'm thinking... this bear is an adolescent male. A little lost, not long on social skills... but it will all work out. Hope he works it out a little farther from your porch!
And I hope you find your camera before he moves on ;)
Love,
Sara
A friend in the Delaware Water Gap area often sees bears in and near their property. She has indeed seen a bear drink the sugar water from her hummingbird feeder. They keep an airhorn near the window, and I believe they do not leave the feeders out when they are not home (they're in the city some days each week). I've seen them near her home, and in wooded areas not far from there (NJ and NY as well as PA). I'm sure your guess is right that this is a juvenile who's about due to move out on his (her?) own... but not so good at it yet.
The good news is, you can feed the birds to your heart's content when the bears are hibernating, and our feathered friends need it the most. I think a few weeks off birdseed will send this particular bear wandering in a new direction. It's almost time for the elderberries and blueberries... serviceberries, too.
My young nephew spent a year with us, and I'm thinking... this bear is an adolescent male. A little lost, not long on social skills... but it will all work out. Hope he works it out a little farther from your porch!
And I hope you find your camera before he moves on ;)
Love,
Sara
Hi Shirley, I can see why you have mixed feelings about your visitor. I love watching wildlife and one of my favorite memories is being in a car in Yellowstone at dusk surrounded by a moving buffalo herd. The scenery and the buffalo were so majestic and they didn't pay much attention to us. I felt like I was in Dances with Wolves. If we had gotten out, I'm not sure what might have happened. We often hear of bears getting into campgrounds here in Utah and sometimes other areas. Our Dept. of Wildlife Resources are the ones who deal with removing them. It's not uncommon to hear about a cougar wandering into a neighborhood and being discovered in someones garage. Good luck and be safe, Love JoAnn
Courage is being scared to death, but saddling up anyway. John Wayne
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MaggieRedwings
- King Penguin
- Posts: 3865
- Joined: Tue May 31, 2005 3:16 am
- Location: SE Pennsylvania
Be careful with him Shirley and I like the idea of the air horn. Kari - it is just water that is important at this time of the year and the food can be let go.
Love wildlife and would hate to see him shot but he can also be destructive to both property and you Shirley.
Love, Maggie
Love wildlife and would hate to see him shot but he can also be destructive to both property and you Shirley.
Love, Maggie
Maggie Scarpone
___________________
Resident Birder - I live to bird and enjoy life!
___________________
Resident Birder - I live to bird and enjoy life!
Tex, you are MOST helpful, as usual. Thank you.
I have not seen the bear since yesterday morning. Removed feeders (including hummingbird) last night but I waited until almost dark to do so (had shotgun ready to scare him). Also kept watch from about 5:30 this AM but no sightings.
We have what we always called the "lower field" here which is a popular place for wildlife near a creek. I took my son's ATV down there yesterday and made as much noise as I possibly could so maybe that made him move further away. Normally they like to "wander" anyway and if an adult is "visiting" it's usually 2 to 3 weeks between.
I agree that this little guy just hasn't quite figured out exactly what he is supposed to be doing.
I hope it doesn't get him into too much trouble.
I know that I should stop feeding the birds and I will if I have to. Just wanted to try some other options first.
Thanks for all the great responses. This is the best board on the "net".
Love, Shirley
I have not seen the bear since yesterday morning. Removed feeders (including hummingbird) last night but I waited until almost dark to do so (had shotgun ready to scare him). Also kept watch from about 5:30 this AM but no sightings.
We have what we always called the "lower field" here which is a popular place for wildlife near a creek. I took my son's ATV down there yesterday and made as much noise as I possibly could so maybe that made him move further away. Normally they like to "wander" anyway and if an adult is "visiting" it's usually 2 to 3 weeks between.
I agree that this little guy just hasn't quite figured out exactly what he is supposed to be doing.
I hope it doesn't get him into too much trouble. I know that I should stop feeding the birds and I will if I have to. Just wanted to try some other options first.
Thanks for all the great responses.
This is the best board on the "net". Love, Shirley
When the eagles are silent, the parrots begin to jabber"
-- Winston Churchill
-- Winston Churchill
Shirley,
Last summer in the mountains of New Mexico we had problems with black bears. Fish and Wildlife told us to take in both seed and hummingbird feeders every night. They also issued "rubber" bullets. If the bear became persistent, it could be shot with that. It would hurt but not wound the bear. They do this since they can't be everywhere at once and have a limited number of live traps. You might talk to your State Fish and Game agency to see what they can do to help if he comes back.
Jan
Last summer in the mountains of New Mexico we had problems with black bears. Fish and Wildlife told us to take in both seed and hummingbird feeders every night. They also issued "rubber" bullets. If the bear became persistent, it could be shot with that. It would hurt but not wound the bear. They do this since they can't be everywhere at once and have a limited number of live traps. You might talk to your State Fish and Game agency to see what they can do to help if he comes back.
Jan
While you are proclaiming peace with your lips, be careful to have it even more fully in your heart. - Saint Francis of Assisi
Thanks everyone,
No sightings since the hummingbird feeder incident Sunday morning. I'm hoping he has moved on but he may be back in a week or two. I am continuing to bring in all feeders at night, and the shotgun is ready to make a big noise if I see him again.
Maggie, we must have been posting about the same time because I didn't see your post until now. I definitely don't want to shoot him. It would break my heart. I keep wondering if his mother was killed somehow and that's why he doesn't seem to be as cautious as other bears. I know I can't tolerate him making himself at home here and I'll try every way to discourage him. I took the ATV in the lower field again today but there was a doe there that didn't run away so I know she has a fawn tucked away. I backed up and let them be.
Love, Shirley
No sightings since the hummingbird feeder incident Sunday morning. I'm hoping he has moved on but he may be back in a week or two. I am continuing to bring in all feeders at night, and the shotgun is ready to make a big noise if I see him again.
Maggie, we must have been posting about the same time because I didn't see your post until now. I definitely don't want to shoot him. It would break my heart. I keep wondering if his mother was killed somehow and that's why he doesn't seem to be as cautious as other bears. I know I can't tolerate him making himself at home here and I'll try every way to discourage him. I took the ATV in the lower field again today but there was a doe there that didn't run away so I know she has a fawn tucked away. I backed up and let them be.
Love, Shirley
When the eagles are silent, the parrots begin to jabber"
-- Winston Churchill
-- Winston Churchill