Bears ! Our largest wildlife resident in Western North Carolina not counting Elk which I understand are being successfully re- introduced to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. I've met a few bears before, but never have had them as neighbors. My human neighbors keep asking me as a newcomer, "Have you seen the bear yet ?" There apparently is a bear in the neighborhhod who comes through for trash pickings. I haven't seen him yet, but as I go to work at about 3am, I'm sure to be his first encounter of the day, while the world is quiet. I'm not worried, I just jingle my car keys and scuffle my feet to make some common sense noise. Once, while camping in The Adirondack Mountains of New York State, up near the border with Canada, I met a black bear who stole my Cooks Ham Steak off the picnic table next to my campfire. He was apparently accustomed to the campground and just made the rounds, posed for the cameras and took his pick of food. I was only a few feet from him, which tells me he was one bold bear. I knew he wanted the ham steak more than he wanted to tangle with me, a lanky bipedal primate, so I wasnt too terribly scared. Maybe a little. So, I've seen bears before, and respect them, but have never actually lived in their midst. I hope he or she has a good time sniffing around the neighborhood, especially if he or she respects me in turn.  If I dont show up for work some morning, maybe just maybe the bear scored more than berries for breakfast. I'll keep jingling my keys.

 

Luckily this isnt my new bear neighbor, at least I don't think so...