Bad News Bears?
Published by Christy under on 8:43 AM
The last month or so has brought about a few black bear sightings in areas pretty close to me. Now it's been great for the local news stations but, I'm not sure the bears are getting a fair "15 minutes".
Personally, I like bears. Not because I think they're cute and cuddly looking, but because they're powerful and agile creatures who live a relatively calm life. Think about it: a lot of people see bears as vicious meat shredding carnivores (no thanks to Hollywood), when in actuality they're omnivores- consuming more insects, plants, and fish than typical animal flesh.
Black bears are also pretty solitary critters roaming great ranges in search of food. The reason they may seem more obvious to us now is #1) because we're developing more of their home ranges with houses that hang yummy bird seed and pack garbage cans full; and #2) droughts and other seasonal anomalies cause food shortages in their normal feeding areas causing them to roam further to find good eats.
Eating is probably the thing a bear does best and the most important at that. They're fortunate that a high body fat percentage isn't really a bad thing. Heck, bears have it made really! Eat all you want of what you love for 7, 8 months and then sleep it off over the next 3 or 4! Sounds like a great plan to me, unfortunately I have the metabolism of a rock rather than a bear.
Seriously though, don't freak if you're ever washing dishes and glance out to see a bear lumbering across the backyard. Calling 911 isn't going to make it go away. They can't restrain it with a roll of bandage tape and a stretcher. Make the best of an odd situation by grabbing your camera, perching yourself up in the window, and getting some shots of a probably once in a lifetime visitor.
PLEASE NOTE: Bears are very powerful and FAST. Keep your distance and DO NOT harass
or attempt to feed a bear EVER. Remember that a bear has no problems running you down if he or she feels threatened, especially a sow and her cubs. Never place yourself between a mom and babies. Be very aware of your proximity at all times. If you see a bear in your area and no one is in immediate danger (please use common sense here), the best thing you can do is notify your local wildlife officer.
Personally, I like bears. Not because I think they're cute and cuddly looking, but because they're powerful and agile creatures who live a relatively calm life. Think about it: a lot of people see bears as vicious meat shredding carnivores (no thanks to Hollywood), when in actuality they're omnivores- consuming more insects, plants, and fish than typical animal flesh.Black bears are also pretty solitary critters roaming great ranges in search of food. The reason they may seem more obvious to us now is #1) because we're developing more of their home ranges with houses that hang yummy bird seed and pack garbage cans full; and #2) droughts and other seasonal anomalies cause food shortages in their normal feeding areas causing them to roam further to find good eats.
Eating is probably the thing a bear does best and the most important at that. They're fortunate that a high body fat percentage isn't really a bad thing. Heck, bears have it made really! Eat all you want of what you love for 7, 8 months and then sleep it off over the next 3 or 4! Sounds like a great plan to me, unfortunately I have the metabolism of a rock rather than a bear.
Seriously though, don't freak if you're ever washing dishes and glance out to see a bear lumbering across the backyard. Calling 911 isn't going to make it go away. They can't restrain it with a roll of bandage tape and a stretcher. Make the best of an odd situation by grabbing your camera, perching yourself up in the window, and getting some shots of a probably once in a lifetime visitor.
PLEASE NOTE: Bears are very powerful and FAST. Keep your distance and DO NOT harass
or attempt to feed a bear EVER. Remember that a bear has no problems running you down if he or she feels threatened, especially a sow and her cubs. Never place yourself between a mom and babies. Be very aware of your proximity at all times. If you see a bear in your area and no one is in immediate danger (please use common sense here), the best thing you can do is notify your local wildlife officer.
1 comments:
Wow! I would so love the opportunity to see and photograph bears in the wild.... how lucky you are Christy!
Anna x
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