Bears!

[Naughty pines]

I would reach behind me, grab a handful and throw it at the bear.   

[FIGHT ON]

If a Black Bear is in the area, give them room and walk away keeping your eyes on them. Most bears are not interested in interacting with people hiking in the woods. With Black Bears that act aggressive: (all our bears in Wrightwood are Black Bears) stand your ground, look big, yell at them in as deep a voice as you can.  Laying down is a very bad idea with Black Bears. 

If you are up North in Grizzly Bear country there are different procedures.  Make sure you know what to do before going into Grizzly country.

good to know!

[Tumblebush]

And never get between a mother and her cub.
A mother bear is highly unpredictable and won't back down to yelling and screaming if she thinks her cub is in danger.

Bears will sometimes do a false charge, as I have witnessed out huckleberry picking, and the key is to stand your ground.
Turning and running only instills the preditor and prey drive where you will become the prey.

I carry an air horn, bear spray and a gun when berry picking and so far...haven't had to use a one.

We have a big male that stands at well over 6ft when standing on his hind legs that hangs around our property and we have a total understanding of each other. We have lived peacefully for 3yrs with him around.

And here's a funny thing....it don't seem to matter what size a dog is to fend off a bear. My neighbors little chihuahu mix treed a young bear in their yard last year. They finally had to go out, pick up the dog and walk into the house so the poor bear could be on his merry way.

[Tumblebush]

[Tumblebush]

And are you feeding the Birds or the Beers?




Black bears are notorious for taking advantage of human irresponsibility with food bird-feeder management. (Photo by Alan Bauer.)

[samsonite]

I suspect there was a bear in the vicinity of Spruce and Pheasant last night.  My two dogs growled and wanted to go out all night!  They paced and paced around in the house, and then paced and paced when I finally let them out.

My trash cans were upright though, so I'm not sure.  But I am sure SOMETHING is prowling around out there. 

[lagomorphmom]

Tumblebush, I'm afraid of chihuahuas, too!!!

[Al]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_fatal_bear_attacks_in_North_America_by_decade

As I read through this, I felt for the poor souls who were attacked.  But one has to wonder what this guy was thinking.

"He was last seen alive following and photographing a female with cubs at Elk Mountain in Glacier National Park. Investigators recovered film of the female approaching in attack mode at 50 yards (46 m).[30]"

[SkierBob]

Anytime the bear wins over the bear hunter, it makes bear hunting a bit more interesting for the remaining hunters. 

[FIGHT ON]

Tumblebush,
Do you live in the Wrightwood area? I mean these bear encounters you are talking about happened around where? Black bears not Grizzley bears right?
I've often wondered about carrying some type of defense item in addition to knowing how to behave when you come across one.
If a bear still comes at you do you think a tazer would stop him? I heard then can take down a bull. And it doesn't kill the bear like a gun would.
Maybe give you enough time to get away?
I wonder if the darts would get past the coat of hair?
I talked to a few cops and rangers about this and they say it would be legal to carry one but it would require taking a class.
I don't wanna kill the bear just get away if I happen to get between the cub and her.

[ChrisLynnet]

I believe she did used to live here but doesn't now. Pacific Northwest? Sorry, my memory is going! Anyway, she's not in Wrightwood now.

[FIGHT ON]

Thanks, I sensed that she didn't live near by but wasn't sure. She sure has had a lot of bears around where ever she is! Hope she lives FAR away! 

[Tomas]

We have a lot of bears here in Wrightwood too. We live in the mountains. Some of our bears are even used to barking dogs. We have to be responsible and discourage them from going around homes. It's also extemly beneficial to be aware of your surroundings. I've seen people within 20 feet of a bear absolutely oblivious to the bear's presence.

As mountain residents it's our responsiblity to educate ourselves on living with wildlife.

[kew]

We've had our cabin in WW for 25 years. During that time I've had several encounters with bears. NOT ONCE have I felt threatened. Mainly because I give them a wide berth. There is a pine tree a couple of doors up the street from us that the bears love to climb. I enjoy watching them play. WHAT I DON'T LIKE is people who try to tease them or, and I seen this far to often, people that think it would be fun to PET the CUTE little bear,

Just remember they were here first. This is their home, and we are the intruders. Treat them like wild animals - leave them alone, don't get too close and it can be a very enjoyable experience.

And for God's sake DON"T FEED THEM.

[CA5th]

Make sure your trash cans have the bear proof latches activated.

Most of us disable them during the winter.

It may be a little inconvenient but the bears that can't eat won't make your home a regular feeding spot!

[Mikeswave]

Fighton  :  i think Tumblebush lives up in the (far)North East, Washington along ways from here

[Tumblebush]

I believe she did used to live here but doesn't now. Pacific Northwest? Sorry, my memory is going! Anyway, she's not in Wrightwood now.

   Your memory is still there.  

Tumblebush,
Do you live in the Wrightwood area? I mean these bear encounters you are talking about happened around where? Black bears not Grizzley bears right?

Bears are bears no matter what state you live in. I happen to be in Washington but am quiet familiar with ones in California too. Mostly blacks around here but have had a grizz run through our neighboring field.

If peope would take the time to talk with their local Fish & Game Dept. or Rangers in the area you live..they can give you the best advice you can get. If people would only listen.  

There are many great websites out there on living with wildlife, our local Fish & Game has one put together and I think Calif. has one too.

Also taking advice from those who have lived in the area and have been dealing with bears will have great advice too...as with some of the ones I see posted here...Ca5th, Ken and Tomas all offer great advice.  

[Nolena]

"Black bears not Grizzley bears right?"

These are black bears. Grizzlies lived in California years ago, but the only native grizzlies now inhabit the California flag. Non-native settlers killed them all off.
I've seen lots of black bears over the years. I've never seen an aggressive one. I always give them a wide berth, and never leave trash or pet food outside.
Yes, they do come into town. That's the reason we have bear-proof trash cans. (They also keep the raccoons out.) They've been known to climb cherry trees and eat the cherries.
One time there was a bear in a tree and there were so many people taking pictures and videos that the poor bear was afraid to come out of the tree and go back into the forest. Finally a sheriff's deputy made everyone leave and the bear climbed down and left.
We live in the forest. There are animals.

[Tumblebush]

Well said Nolena

When you live in or visit a wildlife area you should always educate yourself on the local wildlife.

Here is a good link from Califonia Fish & Game
http://www.dfg.ca.gov/education/living.html

[Tumblebush]

Fighton  :  i think Tumblebush lives up in the (far)North East, Washington along ways from here

 

Yupper...you thought right Mike

Used to live in WW and I used to be a Moderator for the forum too.