A serious bear thread ...

[mc5aw]

I just finished reading an article about the Rutgers University student who was mauled to death by a male black bear a few months ago. Evidently, five students were hiking in NJ when the bear appeared ... but instead of instantly retreating, the students turned the situation into a photo op. The student who was killed took several photos on his phone, which was recovered by police, and one specific photo was just published. The bear is CLOSE, and coming forward.

It seems so tragic to me, that these students were either completely inexperienced with nature, or just not thinking, when the bear appeared. Obviously NJ being NJ, defensive firearms are out of the question, but even a can of bear spray could have helped avoid this tragedy. As a city kid, I went to sleep-away camp in the Adirondacks for two summers, and we learned plenty about the woods and its various creatures. Even last year, when I was hiking and had my first close up encounter with a black bear, I was cautious and a bit fearful ... as well as ready with my sidearm. Mother Nature has given us so much to appreciate, but wild is still wild, and some folks don't understand that reality.

I'm interested to see if a lawsuit comes of this sad story. Perhaps some legal sharpie will try to say the state or park was at fault for not posting enough warnings about dangerous wildlife.

[Jinglebob]

Today, what many of our youth know about wildlife comes from what they have seen on cute cartoon shows and animated movies.

[Frank237]

And IIRC the victim RAN from the bear which could have triggered the attack.

Visit Yellowstone or Glacier NP some time and watch the tourists trying to pet buffalo, or baby moose. Honestly. Not making it up. A lot of ignorant people out there. Clueless about wildlife.

[kaaskop49]

Originally Posted by Frank237

And IIRC the victim RAN from the bear which could have triggered the attack.

Visit Yellowstone or Glacier NP some time and watch the tourists trying to pet buffalo, or baby moose. Honestly. Not making it up. A lot of ignorant people out there. Clueless about wildlife.

Just read of this tragedy in an online NYC newspaper. Apparently, there is no correct way to react in these instances. If you move toward the animal, it construes this as a threat and it attacks to protect itself. If you run away, you're provoking the animal to chase you.... The five men separated and the animal chose one of them to kill.

Seems like there's no right thing to do if the animal has a yen to attack, except stay out of the woods. I do agree, however. that many folks have no idea what wild animals are and I have seen them in parks foolishly approaching the animals.

Kaaskop49
Shield #5103

P.S. Now I understand what the "bear thread" posters are talking about. BTW, where's the subway?

[Wyo]

Originally Posted by Frank237

And IIRC the victim RAN from the bear which could have triggered the attack.

Visit Yellowstone or Glacier NP some time and watch the tourists trying to pet buffalo, or baby moose. Honestly. Not making it up. A lot of ignorant people out there. Clueless about wildlife.

This is very true but nothing new. I grew up near Yellowstone and used to spend a lot of time there when I was a kid back in the '50's. They still had open dumps then so there were a lot of black bears around. They used to hang around on the highways and panhandle from passersby. I saw stuff you wouldn't believe like inviting a bear to crawl in the car for an oreo, putting little kids on bear's backs to ride like a horse, etc. People were no smarter then and, every once in a while, a tourist got killed. There aren't many bears around the highways now so the tourists harass the moose, buffalo, etc. And, every once in a while, despite all the warnings, a tourist gets killed. Cost of doing business, I guess.

I saw an interesting article recently that said griz have learned to stalk hunters in the greater Yellowstone region, knowing that they will likely be provided a meal. And at the sound of a rifle shot they come running. This is actually no surprise as people who hunt that country have known as much for several years, but there is apparently scientific proof of it now. Several of my friends have had elk stolen from them by griz, and most of the people I know that still hunt there do so in pairs - one to hunt and the other with a 12 ga. shotgun to provide security. It's kind of a spooky way to hunt!

Bears are what they are. As long as people interact with them, there will be conflict. It's sad sometimes both for the bears and for the people involved.

[BearBio]

As a professional wildlife biologist for a Federal agency, let me say: Wild Animals are WILD!

The more experience you have, the better you can GUESS what they are gonna do (and, conversely, the less you have..............). You learn very early in my field that things like that go with my chosen profession. STUFF happens!

[jtcarm]

I saw the headline on a news site,

IIRC, there was one not too long ago where a photog got killed. I remember reading state law was not to approach more than nn feet. Pics on his camera showed he was much closer, and that was before the bear charged.

Then there was the genius Tim Treadwell who though people & brown bears could lived together as friends. Apparently, the bears viewed he & his girlfriend more as livestock than friends & when one got hungry enough, he ate them both. IIRC, a good part of it was captured on audio.

I think bears have lost any fear of humans.

[arjay]

I think the biggest mistake people make is assuming that if they get too close all wildlife will just flee.Most will,but some get a little pissy.

[427mach1]

Originally Posted by jtcarm

I saw the headline on a news site,

I remember reading state law was not to approach more than nn feet.

We were in Yellowstone in '12 and I seem to remember you had to stay 100 yards from bear or wolves, 25 yards away from all other wildlife. We came across a crowd of people just off the road, watching a grizzly sitting on an elk carcass. Two ladies kept inching closer and closer, trying to capture the perfect "Kodak moment", even as people were telling them not to get any closer. I told my wife to get her picture (from a safe distance) so we can get out of there without seeing what happens next.

Later, we were on a hike and had to go around a small herd of bison. We got within about 50 yards and I was uncomfortable even at that distance.

[eyegots2no]

Originally Posted by arjay

I think the biggest mistake people make is assuming that if they get too close all wildlife will just flee.Most will,but some get a little pissy.

Yep.

Kinda remind me of the little girl in Alien who says, "....they mostly come out at night.......mostly"

[ColbyBruce]

I tote this or something similar in the north Georgia mountains due to black bears.


I like this one too, more firepower and faster to reload.


This was the first gun I bought specifically for bear defense.

[kaaskop49]

We all know the old saw about "prevention" and "cure." Those here who know me also know I've modified it to:

"A ton of prevention is worth an ounce of cure."

Some very savvy folks posting here today. Wish I were one of them!

Kaaskop49
Shield #5103

[vigil617]

Instead of speculating about, and Monday-morning quarterbacking, this situation in which a young man was killed and eaten by a black bear exhibiting what wildlife officials have described as "stalking behavior" in a public wilderness preserve, perhaps you would like to read this article by the news organization that requested the photos in a public-records request.

Hiker snapped pictures of bear before fatal attack in West Milford | NJ.com

Ask yourself what you would have done differently had you not known ahead of time, as the young man did not, that this bear would have been encountered. If you did not own a gun, and went hiking with a group of friends on a nice autumn day, could you reasonably have done much differently than he did?

It appears to me that the group should not have taken photos while the bear was approximately 100 yards away and moving toward them. They did, though, and then -- prudently -- began to retreat. But the bear followed, and when the group ran, the bear apparently chased the most opportune target. The young man was attempting to escape, and yelled to his friends to contine running away -- which I think was an extremely brave act under the circumstances. It is a tragedy that he lost his life.

[just jim]

Darwin didn't get it quite right, it's not the survival of the fit but survival of the smart. Shame all that education didn't help the kid one bit.

[zzzippper]

Originally Posted by mc5aw

The student who was killed took several photos on his phone, which was recovered by police, and one specific photo was just published. The bear is CLOSE, and coming forward.

Was the phone covered in bear poop?

On a serious note, the other day I saw that more people are killed by moose than brown and black bears combined.

[just jim]

Goes to show you as kids they were taken to a petting zoo rather than a zoo that shows how animals eat.

[BearBio]

"I think bears have lost any fear of humans."When you are the biggest and baddest, you never have that fear to begin with!

"Instead of speculating about, and Monday-morning quarterbacking, this situation in which a young man was killed and eaten by a black bear exhibiting what wildlife officials have described as "stalking behavior" in a public wilderness preserve, perhaps you would like to read this article by the news organization that requested the photos in a public-records request."

Predatory behavior is a whole different ball game. Fight back, as a group, and don't quit.

"On a serious note, the other day I saw that more people are killed by moose than brown and black bears combined."

"Later, we were on a hike and had to go around a small herd of bison. We got within about 50 yards and I was uncomfortable even at that distance."


Moose and bison scare me more than any bear==you can make an educated guess as to what a bear might do. Bison and moose don't even know themselves.

[mc5aw]

Originally Posted by vigil617

Instead of speculating about, and Monday-morning quarterbacking, this situation in which a young man was killed and eaten by a black bear exhibiting what wildlife officials have described as "stalking behavior" in a public wilderness preserve, perhaps you would like to read this article by the news organization that requested the photos in a public-records request.

Hiker snapped pictures of bear before fatal attack in West Milford | NJ.com

Ask yourself what you would have done differently had you not known ahead of time, as the young man did not, that this bear would have been encountered. If you did not own a gun, and went hiking with a group of friends on a nice autumn day, could you reasonably have done much differently than he did?

It appears to me that the group should not have taken photos while the bear was approximately 100 yards away and moving toward them. They did, though, and then -- prudently -- began to retreat. But the bear followed, and when the group ran, the bear apparently chased the most opportune target. The young man was attempting to escape, and yelled to his friends to contine running away -- which I think was an extremely brave act under the circumstances. It is a tragedy that he lost his life.

vigil ... The link you posted notes that the published photo of the approaching bear was taken from ~ 100 FEET not yards, which indicates that the victim was still not in full flight mode despite the bear being extremely close. I think that fact is telling, in that it shows that at least one of the hiking party did not fully appreciate the peril they were in until it was too late. The linked article also notes that the group of students was warned by a couple coming in the opposite direction about a bear following them ... that to me is a red flag not to be ignored. Additionally noted is the fleeing students did not break ranks until the pursuing bear was ~ 15 feet away from them. That is two running strides for an adult bear, and again indicates the group waited too long to appreciate the danger they were in, allowing the bear to close sooner than they expected.

As to doing anything differently, I believe that is a moot question simply because we (Forum members) look at the situation from a different lens ... one as hunters, outdoorsmen, or simply those more experienced with nature than the student hikers. I can only speak to my lone up-close-and-personal encounter with a black bear, and my first inclination was to freeze and monitor the bear's movement, NOT take nature photos. The bear I rolled up on was a juvenile, ~150 lbs, foraging roughly 30 yards to my right. Once I saw him, I stopped and tried to become invisible ... I had three limited choices: Run up the mountain trail; run down the mountain trail; stand my ground and wait. I opted for the third choice, and once the bear showed no interest in me, I went my way up the trail. I will note that on my way back down later on, I was VERY wary of where the bear might be, and was extremely attentive sight-wise and sound-wise, as well as ready with my revolver.

Maybe this was simply a case of Fate ... wrong place, wrong time ... for the victim. After reading the article, I was struck by the tragic randomness of the encounter.

[mtgianni]

Originally Posted by kaaskop49

Just read of this tragedy in an online NYC newspaper. Apparently, there is no correct way to react in these instances. If you move toward the animal, it construes this as a threat and it attacks to protect itself. If you run away, you're provoking the animal to chase you.... The five men separated and the animal chose one of them to kill.

Seems like there's no right thing to do if the animal has a yen to attack, except stay out of the woods. I do agree, however. that many folks have no idea what wild animals are and I have seen them in parks foolishly approaching the animals.

Kaaskop49
Shield #5103

P.S. Now I understand what the "bear thread" posters are talking about. BTW, where's the subway?

It varies with species and age of the animal. Cats in general will not attack a large human, small teens and kids are fair game. Bears do not like to be threatened by intimidation of meeting their stare and/or acting aggressive. OTOH, if you run you are signalling yourself as prey. Teenagers of all species do stupid things adults would not. I would guess body size for age on Cougar and Wolf, ears on a Bear. Little ears big bear, big ears little bear is the well known axiom.

[Shootbrownelk]

Originally Posted by Frank237

And IIRC the victim RAN from the bear which could have triggered the attack.

Visit Yellowstone or Glacier NP some time and watch the tourists trying to pet buffalo, or baby moose. Honestly. Not making it up. A lot of ignorant people out there. Clueless about wildlife.

Right Frank, I see it all the time. Yellowstone and Grand Teton parks are swarming with foreign tourists totally clueless about keeping their distance from dangerous wildlife. They think it's DisneyLand. I see knuckleheads within 30 yds of GRIZZLY bears taking phone pictures. The buffalos are the ones that get most of them. But every year Grizzlies kill and eat tourists...4 this year.

[ImprovedModel56Fan]

Originally Posted by vigil617

Ask yourself what you would have done differently had you not known ahead of time, as the young man did not, that this bear would have been encountered. If you did not own a gun, and went hiking with a group of friends on a nice autumn day, could you reasonably have done much differently than he did?

But I DO own a gun. Why didn't he? For various reasons, most of them ugly, stupid or lazy, some people don't own guns. That's their right. But I don't have to call them smart or noble. That's my right. And there are some places I don't go, gun or not, because I'm not smart enough or bad enough to handle what those places may have in store for me.

Or, to put it more eloquently,

Originally Posted by just jim

Darwin didn't get it quite right, it's not the survival of the fit but survival of the smart. Shame all that education didn't help the kid one bit.

P.S. To answer your actual question directly, I would not have gone out into the woods without a gun, and if I encountered a couple going in the opposite direction claiming that a bear was following them, I would have placed my right toe behind my left heel and done an about face. That's what sane people do.

[just jim]

Originally Posted by vigil617

Ask yourself what you would have done differently had you not known ahead of time, as the young man did not, that this bear would have been encountered. If you did not own a gun, and went hiking with a group of friends on a nice autumn day, could you reasonably have done much differently than he did?

It appears to me that the group should not have taken photos while the bear was approximately 100 yards away and moving toward them. They did, though, and then -- prudently -- began to retreat. But the bear followed, and when the group ran, the bear apparently chased the most opportune target. The young man was attempting to escape, and yelled to his friends to contine running away -- which I think was an extremely brave act under the circumstances. It is a tragedy that he lost his life.

Worked outdoors most of my life plus hunted and back packed as a pastime. Lots of ways to die out there and one should educate themselves of the dangers. Fellow dieing that way was a good education to those who can learn. Every year the uneducated are there to teach us all what dangers are around us. He didn't die for nothing.

Out here we have lots of animals that can kill, two legged and four. If you are going to sparrow yourself out all alone it's prudent to learn how to protect yourself.

[jlrhiner]

Couldn't he have picked up a stick?

[vigil617]

Originally Posted by mc5aw

vigil ... The link you posted notes that the published photo of the approaching bear was taken from ~ 100 FEET not yards, which indicates that the victim was still not in full flight mode despite the bear being extremely close. I think that fact is telling, in that it shows that at least one of the hiking party did not fully appreciate the peril they were in until it was too late. The linked article also notes that the group of students was warned by a couple coming in the opposite direction about a bear following them ... that to me is a red flag not to be ignored. Additionally noted is the fleeing students did not break ranks until the pursuing bear was ~ 15 feet away from them. That is two running strides for an adult bear, and again indicates the group waited too long to appreciate the danger they were in, allowing the bear to close sooner than they expected.

As to doing anything differently, I believe that is a moot question simply because we (Forum members) look at the situation from a different lens ... one as hunters, outdoorsmen, or simply those more experienced with nature than the student hikers. I can only speak to my lone up-close-and-personal encounter with a black bear, and my first inclination was to freeze and monitor the bear's movement, NOT take nature photos. The bear I rolled up on was a juvenile, ~150 lbs, foraging roughly 30 yards to my right. Once I saw him, I stopped and tried to become invisible ... I had three limited choices: Run up the mountain trail; run down the mountain trail; stand my ground and wait. I opted for the third choice, and once the bear showed no interest in me, I went my way up the trail. I will note that on my way back down later on, I was VERY wary of where the bear might be, and was extremely attentive sight-wise and sound-wise, as well as ready with my revolver.

Maybe this was simply a case of Fate ... wrong place, wrong time ... for the victim. After reading the article, I was struck by the tragic randomness of the encounter.

You're right about that part of the article, mc5aw; I also read that the bear was first sighted by the group at about 300 feet away, approaching, and that they did not retreat until the bear reached 100 feet away. Too close, to be sure, but they didn't perceive the threat, and it was a fatal mistake for the one guy.

The others who have chimed in about the dangers posed by not having a gun, and of needing a healthy respect for the wilderness, are absolutely right. I myself would not venture into any kind of wilderness now, without packing some kind of handgun. However, in my more youthful and energetic life, I hiked and camped extensively as a Scout and as an enthusiast in many wilderness areas, especially in Western North Carolina and on the Appalachian Trail, and never carried a gun of any kind.

I never felt threatened (except by skunks ), and if I had encountered a bear at the same kind of range that this young man did, I am sure I would have begun retreating -- probably in headlong flight -- before he got as close as 100 feet.

But, if I had encountered him at 100 feet first, the very same thing could have happened to me that happened to him. I see that now, and I think I was fortunate that I never had to test my wheels against a bear's.

I'm just saying that it doesn't seem to me that these kids were doing anything especially dangerous, negligent, or uncalled-for under their circumstances. As it turned out, they made mistakes, but none that many, many others (including those comfortable in the woods) would not have made too.

[badge]

City folk generally are not well schooled in the woods. Not their natural environment. Whenever I am in the woods be it in Wyoming or Pennsylvania I carry bear spray and a Heavy handgun just because. I reckon your not paranoid if some really is following you.

[jtcarm]

Originally Posted by arjay

I think the biggest mistake people make is assuming that if they get too close all wildlife will just flee.Most will,but some get a little pissy.

Or assuming they can outrun such a big, lumbering animal.

[arjay]

One of my more "fun" experiences was trying to dodge a pissed off mama moose while running backwards in and around the aspens She didn't even break out of a slow trot with her calf following along lol

[kaaskop49]

Originally Posted by Model520Fan

But I DO own a gun. Why didn't he? For various reasons, most of them ugly, stupid or lazy, some people don't own guns. That's their right. But I don't have to call them smart or noble. That's my right. And there are some places I don't go, gun or not, because I'm not smart enough or bad enough to handle what those places may have in store for me.

IIRC, the incident took place in New Jersey with severe gun laws. Could the individual have legally taken a gun into the woods? Handgun or longarm? What laws would he have violated, if any? Also, the simple fact that some folks are not gun people and may never have been exposed to firearms.

Also, does one have the skill to hit a charging animal with a heavy caliber handgun?

Kaaskop49
Shield #5103

[roundgunner]

Bear portraits...

[pete-driver]

You don't have to run fast, just faster than whom ever your with.

[just jim]

Guys in the hunting party used to ask me what works for bears. Told them I carry a 25 auto. They look at you in disbelief until you explain it's used to shoot one of them to slow them down while I get away. Lol lol

[schgsd]

I find it very interesting that the first version I read of this had no mention of the warning by the couple before they went into the woods. Edited to seem like they were just out for a walk and lo this tragedy.

2 years ago I learned of a bear that tore up someones bird feeder within 5 miles of where I am located. If the weathers good I grab my M&P 15 to walk my dog at night. Otherwise I'll slip my 9mm into a coat pocket if it's actively raining or snowing like tonight.

[ImprovedModel56Fan]

Originally Posted by kaaskop49

IIRC, the incident took place in New Jersey with severe gun laws. Could the individual have legally taken a gun into the woods? Handgun or longarm? What laws would he have violated, if any? Also, the simple fact that some folks are not gun people and may never have been exposed to firearms.

Also, does one have the skill to hit a charging animal with a heavy caliber handgun?

Kaaskop49
Shield #5103

New Jersey is one of the places I don't go to. Almost as bad as walking towards a bear that sane people are walking away from. I agree, as would probably most of us, that a handgun is not at all a guarantee against a charging bear. Probably not even favorable odds.

[keith44spl]

I'll start by saying, "I like and respect all bears....Large and small."

What I don't like, is a bear that wants to bite and maul around on my carcass whilst I'm going about my business.

While elk hunting, this lit'l blackie took exception to me being in his bailiwick and attempted to crawl up my britches leg....Let's jest say, I'll take exception to that 'most every time.

A .348 Winchester, 250gr. Silver Tip settled the matter at spittin distance and now he's hangin' in my den...Instead of me lay outside of his....




No one plans to fail....They's just fail to plan.


.

[Sprefix]

All I can say here is Beretta Jetfire .22 short........

[ironhead7544]

Recently, an over 13 foot gator was taken on Lake Seminole. I live a couple of hundred yards from the Flint River, at the top of the lake. Thinking of upgrading my CCW to a M69. Lots of big gators are being taken in GA. Will be more careful when fishing.

Wildlife dangers are everywhere. We also have black bears and plenty of rattlers and water moccasins.

[GatorFarmer]

Deer are quite large here in Wyoming, the more so compared to the ones in South Carolina. They are also all over the place.

Several days ago, a large doe was grazing in the front yard as I returned from taking my older sons to school. My two and a half year old pointed at the big strange furry thing and screaming in terrror, which confused the deer.

I told him it was just a deer and not to be afraid.

At that point my four year old said, "Do deers eat people?"

"Not usually," I replied.

Seeming to think it over briefly, my four year old then said, "So sometimes they maybe do eat people. Better shoot them."

Shrug. At least they know not to try to pet things.

[Marshwheeling]

Deer may not eat people, but they still kill more than all the wolves, bears and big cats combined. Better shoot them. And shoot them. And shoot them some more.

[just jim]

Lots of city people don't want their dogs so they dump them in the country. Run into a pack of ferrel dogs and life will get very interesting real quick. Lots of mountain lions out here since they outlawed hunting them with dogs. Won't be long before they run out of food and start hunting people. They brave our cities all ready.

Deal is out here they still think more of human life than animal life so we carry guns. Doesn't look like that is going to be true much longer.

[vigil617]

Originally Posted by keith44spl

I'll start by saying, "I like and respect all bears....Large and small."

What I don't like, is a bear that wants to bite and maul around on my carcass whilst I'm going about my business.

While elk hunting, this lit'l blackie took exception to me being in his bailiwick and attempted to crawl up my britches leg....Let's jest say, I'll take exception to that 'most every time.

A .348 Winchester, 250gr. Silver Tip settled the matter at spittin distance and now he's hangin' in my den...Instead of me lay outside of his....




No one plans to fail....They's just fail to plan.


.

Keith, did you by chance weigh him out? The one that killed the hiker was about 300 pounds. Looking at the choppers on the one you shot, I can't imagine what it would be like to be bitten by a bear of that size. Claws on the one that killed the hiker also were involved, as tissue was found on them. What about the claws on yours -- length?

[BearBio]

Originally Posted by jtcarm

Or assuming they can outrun such a big, lumbering animal.

And, they WILL lose! Disregarding the fact that it will go through (!) whatever you have to go around or over, they can still outrun a race-horse for a 1/4 or 1/2 mile. I have video of a grizzly chasing a cow elk (she catches and kills it).

[jlrhiner]

Well then, I guess we better ask the question that's on everybody's mind.

What gun is best for being surprised by a bear while hiking?


Ps. I had to!

[Mule Packer]

Unfortunately, there's a good portion of the unsuspecting American public who have been raised on the Disney false interpretation of bears.

Even their film "documentaries" show playful cubs getting into mischief. And now, they have something like this:


These animals are big, strong, and dangerous. Whenever we'd stumble upon one in the mountains, we always gave it a wide berth...no matter what caliber we were packing. If there was going to be a confrontation, we made sure it was the bear who was going to start it....not us. And if the bear decided to "kick the lid off," like Dave said, we wanted to make sure we had something big enough to knock it down and keep it down.

[Salty RI]

Originally Posted by pete-driver

You don't have to run fast, just faster than whom ever your with.

It pays to shoot him in the leg first.

[k22fan]

Behind grandmas’ house is a rough lawn that stretches 25 yards to the forest which starts at the top edge of the bank that falls off to the creek. Chickens still wander the lawn today as they did before WWII when this family story took place. Two women were yakking near the back door when a black bear walked out of the woods onto the lawn. An aggressive rooster attacked the bear trying to jab its ankle talons into the bear’s soft nose. It almost succeeded in stabbing the bear’s tonsils. The bear opened wide, chomped down on the rooster, turned around and lumbered back into the woods with a snack.

[BearBio]

Originally Posted by jlrhiner

Well then, I guess we better ask the question that's on everybody's mind.

What gun is best for being surprised by a bear while hiking?


Ps. I had to!

You FOOL! The worms will get you!

[finesse_r]

No doubt they can sue the cell phone manufacturer for not putting a warning on the phone to not take pictures of bears in the wild, since it is obvious no young person these days has the will power to not use the camera feature of their cell phone at every opportunity. I mean you cannot expect a college student to understand that a bear can and will kill and eat you.

[keith44spl]

Originally Posted by vigil617

Keith, did you by chance weigh him out? The one that killed the hiker was about 300 pounds. Looking at the choppers on the one you shot, I can't imagine what it would be like to be bitten by a bear of that size. Claws on the one that killed the hiker also were involved, as tissue was found on them. What about the claws on yours -- length?

.
Nah, I didn't weigh it out....It probably weighed 300 or less.

The bear boil'd outta the brush purty quick....I distinctly
remember I could see the pads of his hind feet as he came charging up the
slight incline of a hill, huffin' and popping it's teeth.

If I had not shot it....It would have knocked me down and
gained the advantage in a wrestling match right quick.....



.

[Malpasowildlifer]

New generations are clueless about nature today

[schgsd]

Originally Posted by keith44spl

.
If I had not shot it....It would have knocked me down and
gained the advantage in a wrestling match right quick.....

They look like a big lumbering beast but apparently can cover some ground right quick if they get a mind to come visit with you.