Last evening I was watching the Giants/Diamondbacks game on TV. Around 6:45 (right after the game started) I looked outside.
I jumped out of my chair, my wife said "what", and all I could say was "bear". Again she said "what". I said "bear".
The bear was walking down the driveway toward the house. I was shocked. It was still light outside. I've heard him/her during the day and of course at night, but never expected to see him/her in all it's furriness. Got my wife to the window and got her zeroed in on where the bear was.
I ran downstairs to get my camera while my wife kept track. When I got back upstairs with my camera and my .357 (wasn't taking any chances) the bear had gone behind the trailer. The trailer is a little over 50 feet from the front door.
Next time I saw it, it had jumped over the fence and was roaming around George's property. It walked in and out of the trees and I couldn't get a decent photo. Then it jumped over the fence into Bob's property and again I couldn't get a good photo because of the trees.
I want to note here that I wasn't going to run down the driveway just to get a picture. This bear weighted, my guess, 350+ lbs. Don't know if any of you watch the AMC series "Hell on Wheels", but the last two episodes were about Elam recovering from being attacked by a bear. Don't think I want to go there.
Now the bear is down at the corner of Bob's property and about 100 yards from the house. He/she jumped over the fence, strolled across the driveway and headed up the hill. Never got a chance to get a picture. It's not everyday you have a bear in your front yard. On the other hand, if you read the last post, I'm not surprised it went down that way. Seems like the whole day was like that.
On a final note, my trash can was fine this morning. Guess it wasn't on the bears tour last night.
Mark
ReplyDeleteI am surprised the bear wasn't feeding and getting ready for hibernation. Is this the first time you have seen a bear near your home?
I saw the last couple of episodes of Hell on Wheels with the bear attack on Elam, I hope the show comes back on for another season, awesome western!!
Hi Bill. The bear is a regular visitor. He usually comes at night and smashes my trash can, tries to rip it from the wall, or generally causes havoc with it. I also hear him "clacking" off and on while I'm working out on the property. That's generally when I carry a sidearm. This was the first time I've seen this one in person. We've had others in the past.
DeleteMark, if I saw a bear coming down my driveway I would be shocked. It must be nice to live somewhere that you can expect wildlife to show up like that though!
ReplyDeleteA knowledgeable friend of mine said shooting a bear with a .357 unless you hit it exactly where it's supposed to go is suicide. I'm glad you don't lean that way. Wish you'd have gotten a picture. I love bears...they scare me to death.
ReplyDeleteHave turkeys, deer, coyotes, & bobcat in the front yard, but no bear! Cool....
ReplyDeleteSo, you're saying you couldn't see the bear for the trees?
ReplyDeleteIt's not that we couldn't see the bear, just couldn't get a good photo.
DeleteVery cool Mark. I also would echo what Howard said - unless you are spot-on with a .357 - or a .44 Mag, for that matter - you're much better off with a shotgun and buckshot if you need it. Of course, I'd recommend a Benelli!
ReplyDeleteI'm a pretty good shot with my .357. I also use hand loads that are a bunch hotter than factory loads, but I really don't want to shoot it. The gun was more for a security blanket than anything else.
DeleteWell, daggumit, Mark. I was hoping to see some good pictures of your bear. I refer too it as "your" bear as I have real all the posts about the problems that you have had with this bear. I agree with you don't want to shoot it, use the gun for defense if necessary. However, I do wish he would have stopped and posed for you! "Daggumit"
ReplyDeleteMy buddy promised me the cape if he gets a bear this year. They taste good too. You'd more than likely scare it off just going out to take in your trash cans.
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