I have been very fortunate to observe black bears in their natural habitat. It’s truly a magical experience! The Arnold property is remote. We are not off the grid, but it is remote. Forest surrounds the house, and because of the game trails, I’ve been able to observe and photograph wild animals up close and personal. My primary interest has always been the black bears, which are common in this area.
Watching a black bear can be a wonderful experience. However, while living in Black Bear country, there are some rules the Bear League recommends people follow!
http://www.savebears.org/index.html
- Make sure you stay at a safe distance from the bear/bears.
- Never leave out birdseed, garbage, or other human food that will lead the bears to get into trouble.
- Never leave food in an unlocked car.
- Never leave the doors to your house unlocked or open.
- While a barking dog is a bear deterrent, it is essential always to keep your dog under control.
Game Trails
The above two pictures of the black bear walking on the game trail that flows east to west behind the house. This particular game trail is well traveled both day and night. I was delighted that these beautiful animals could walk through my property without fear.
The house, built over 30 years ago, has two game trails that converge and wrap around the house, which provides ample opportunity to observe the bears from a safe distance. I’ve wondered why game trails often run east to west. There are actually a few reasons for this. One reason is that the sun rises in the east and sets in the west. This means that animals can orient themselves more easily by following these trails. Additionally, many animals prefer to travel during the day when it is easier to see predators and avoid becoming prey. Finally, following game trails makes it easier for animals to find food and water sources.
The Video
Below is the video of the dangerous incident I filmed on my property where a dog chased a young bear up two trees. You can hear the dog approaching from a great distance. The bear never displayed any aggression. Instead, the bear ran for the first tree because it wanted to escape the dog. The bear climbed down the tree and appeared ready to stand its ground but then took off for the second tree with the barking dog in pursuit. Luckily the dog gave up, and the bear continued on its way.
In conclusion:
Keeping your pet on a leash while in bear country is essential if you’re a dog owner. Even if your dog is well-trained, it’s still possible for them to run off and provoke a confrontation with a bear, as the dog in my video did. Bears naturally fear humans but can become aggressive if they feel threatened. Keeping your dog on a leash can help protect your pet and the bears in the area.
Of course, you should also take care to avoid bears. Ensure you’re aware of bear activity and take precautions accordingly. If you see a bear, give it plenty of space and do not attempt to approach it.
If you live in or are visiting an area with bears, take the necessary precautions to keep yourself and your pets safe. Bears are majestic creatures, but they can be dangerous if provoked. We can all help coexist peacefully with these fascinating animals by taking simple precautions.
Please comment below if you have any questions or want to learn more about bear safety. I’m still learning about black bears myself, but happy to help in any way I can! Thanks for reading my blog about black bears and dogs.