Living here in the boonies, means's we don't have a lot of excitement! You know, like the hustle and bustle of big city living!
However we do have beautiful scenery, abundant wildlife and we're not fighting traffic and neighbors who get on your nerves sometimes!
Little did I know when we moved here just 4 short years ago, that I would become (as my hubby has named it) the bear whisperer!
I am not wanting this title by any means! However, I have had 7 bear sightings in the past 3 years!
And my latest was yesterday morning.
See him in pic above. At this point he had started up the hill and was surrounded by thick brush.
Actually he was right below the neighbor's house. When I slowed and he saw me, he started high tailing up the hill and into the woods.
I whipped my camera out as fast as I could but these creatures are amazingly fast! I did manage to get this shot though. I called out to him, "hey Mr. Bear" and he turned and peeked out from behind the tree!
I do believe he is the same bear that I have seen in the past. However, he has grown remarkably well and is easily over 300 lbs. now.
I told hubby if I see him in my yard, a for sale sign may have to go out!
But don't worry, I am cautious. Our bird feeders are empty this time of year. We keep our garbage in a closed garage and it is picked up weekly. But let me tell you, seeing a bear in the wild is one amazing sight!
Have a wonderful week everyone!
Cindy
I am joining the Tablescaper for Seasonal Sundays and her blog-a-versary!
Anita @ Cedar Hill Ranch for The Cowgirl Up blog party
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Hi darling, oh my gosh, he's beautiful but from a distant. I know what you mean by living in the boonies, but we're not quite that far... lol
ReplyDeleteStay safe darling. hugs ~lynne~
Oooo fun!! (well, sort of : )
ReplyDeleteWe own a Christmas tree farm in northern mi. & husband has spotted a mother & 3 cubs this spring... fun to see from far away..
You are braver than I am. I would not have stayed around long enough to get a pic.
ReplyDeleteFirst off, I have to tell you that I am terrified of bears! My husband would love to move to the mountains, but I would be afraid to step out of the house, or let my dogs out. If I saw a bear from the safety of my car, I am sure I would be thrilled. As long as it was 3 states away from where I live. I love that you called the bear and he/she stuck their head out! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteWell that's a experience for ya! Would be a little scarry I think. My Son is a runner and lives in Colorado - last summer he was on on the trails and a black bear crossed in front of him up the trail. He made eye contact and they the bear went up the mountain. I don't want to be anywhere near them! Keep that trash under wraps for sure.
ReplyDeleteAnn
wow, what an amazing siting, great photo too. I know they can be a bit of a nuicance with the trash and coming closer to homes but I wish I could see a bear like you have. Hugs Sara
ReplyDeleteYou know I'd LOVE to be the "Bear Whisperer." I think you should send a FEW of them right across highway 54 to Rapids, k?
ReplyDeleteI'm so excited you saw him AND captured the moment on film.
Well, we don't use film any more, but you know what I mean!
ReplyDeleteGood heavens, Cindy! The woods are so near your home..and as you said they are so quick. I know you will watch Madison. A little thing like Madison would certainly tempt a bear. Our animals are at risk out there. Several have been killed by mountain lions not far from my daughter's home. Coyotes are a constant danger to our domestic animals. Even here where I am right in the middle of a closly populated neighborhood, they stalk our cats and small dogs. Coons are also on the prowl.
ReplyDeleteOn a camping trip I had a close encounter with a black bear. He came into camp at night and was eating all our food from the cooler. Not knowing it was a dangerous thing to do, I heard the noice and came out of the tent and picked up a stick and began yelling at him and hitting him. He finally got up..growled at me, I jumped back a bit but still kept swinging my stick at him..and he moved off up the mountain. The Rangers came by shortly afterward ..and said he was injured and dangerous..and to be very careful. I know better now..but I had six small children in the tent..and miles from any store. Silly woman.
Be careful! Makes me nervous just thinking of how dangerous they are and the things they have done.
GREAT shot though! :) You are braver than I would have been!!
Oh no Mona, after reading what you did, I think you are far braver than I ever could be!
DeleteHow exciting and you were able to get a picture!!
ReplyDeleteHI!!
ReplyDeleteI love your pics!!!
In fact it has made me want to go visit BEARZONA...UP north in Williams, AZ......you drive through and see BEARS up close......I would love to see one....from my car that is!!!
Keep safe...all of you...now I am nervous for you
big hugs,
jamie
Great photos, Cindy! You do have a lot of wildlife in your area. There have been several black bear sightings in northeastern Iowa this spring too (not in my area). Exciting to see, as long as you are in your car and not in any danger. You asked me how much time I spend in the garden; on average, 2-4 hours per day. It's a lot to keep up with and the weeds never quit! Have a great week and thanks for sharing the bear photos.
ReplyDeleteBeth
Oh my! I think I would have to put the for sale sign out! I would be terrified! You're a brave one!
ReplyDeleteOh my word Cindy, that is a little scary. Gorgeous to see, but not so close to the house. Wow, unreal. Hugs, marty
ReplyDeleteHi cindy, I would love to see this bear but from a distance and also be ensured he would NOT attack me. Not sure how i would feel knowing he is around, when i'm outside gardening or laying out,,,,scary thought!
ReplyDeleteCindy, the wildlife in your neighborhood is much more fun and exciting than any big city life. I can't believe you got that picture of him! You are a lot more brave than I am. He almost looks cuddly in that picture, but I sure wouldn't want to know he might be lurking in my neighborhood. laurie
ReplyDeleteYikes, we just sold our summer house in Western NC, and I have seen bears there on two occasions. Your guy is cute, so long as he is in the distance. New follower, and thanks for linking to cowgirl up.
ReplyDeleteI thought our coyote was scary wildlife.....your bear trumps that!!....I've been following your pictures of him on Facebook....you are brave to even leave the house....
ReplyDeleteThat is exciting!
ReplyDeleteHi Cindy, I worry about the bears around here too, but none have come this close to our house, at least none that I know of!! We were hiking in Vermont a few years ago and a mother bear and two cubs dashed across our path. I was surprised at how fast they could move--even the babies. Then my daughter was hiking in Alaska in the middle of nowhere and they came upon a mother grizzly and her cub! They followed the suggestioned precautions and were ok, but very frightened. The next time they saw a grizzly they were calmer. I think I would have called the helicopter to get me out! Now we are starting to see mountain lions here, making hiking even more dangerous. The bears usually don't want confrontations, but the mountain lions are much bolder. Have a nice weekend. Linda
ReplyDeleteI saw on your fb that he was in your front yard??? OMG Cindy, that's too close for comfort. Shouldn't you call the rangers or something? They could tranquilize him and bring him back up in the hills, or where ever he comes from. Just saying.
ReplyDeleteEgads.
xoxoxoxoxo
Great shot, CIndy! I would be terrified seeing him near my yard...Christine
ReplyDeleteYikes, the deer and turkeys here are bad enough!
ReplyDeleteI would move, LOL!
Hi Cindy -- I am amazed you managed to get pics of him -- that was fast work on your part.
ReplyDeleteAround here, with all the traffic and hustle bustle of a New York City suburb ... we have black bears, too.
I've had to stop to let one mosey across the road, in a populated neighborhood, right in front of a big, busy hospital.
He must have been one of the City Bears, maybe yours belongs to the Country Bears!
We have not had one wandering in our immediate neighborhood since last year, but the cops tranquilized one in an apartment complex nearby recently. Those bears do adapt to city life!
Great pictures.
Cass
We have geese, ducks, squirrels, rabbits, and birds...but thankfully no bears! I'm SO behind in blogging! I've missed commenting on yours...need to try to get back in the swing of it:)
ReplyDeleteI think watching deer from the house would be fun...a bear would freak me out, maybe because we don't have them here and they scare me! He is a gorgeous thing though, isn't he?
ReplyDeleteHi Cindy,
ReplyDeleteOh goodness...it's always a thrill to see a bear! Here in Kansas we don't see them but when I lived in British Columbia we sure did...one came onto our patio which was over 4 feet high and put it's paws on the window! I left those prints there for quite a while so I could show family and friends. You got some great photo's despite the fact that they are surprisingly fast. You wouldn't expect something so large to move like that but they sure do. Love the pic when he looked back at you when you spoke to him. Yes you ARE the Bear Whisperer ;) Have a wonderful weekend!
Maura :)
Eeek! Deer is one thing, but bears...that is quite scary for this city girl!! Lol!
ReplyDelete