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Monday, June 29, 2015

The bear won!

Got to the oasis around 8 AM to discover the seed feeder barrel destroyed beyond repair. The bear had snapped off the T-post. If you look closely you can see the cracks in the concrete around the stub of the post.



While I was photographing that I heard a snort, like a startled deer makes, back in the woods. When I walked back there I got a glimpse of a huge bear disappearing into the arroyo. I started to follow in hopes of getting a photo but chickened out.

About thirty minutes later I spotted the bear in the woods area of the oasis. Still had the bridge camera in hand so snapped a couple of shots as best I could.

                            

I decided to walk around the thicket between us and try for a better photo. When I got to where he was more in the open, he reared up and snorted while moving his paws like he was threatening me if I didn't back off. At that second, I panicked. I knew not to run, but did it anyway. He didn't follow. I went to the house and got a gun which I carried around while watering and picking peaches. A couple of times I thought I heard him, but didn't see him again.

Looking at the photos, keep in mind that he was 10-15 feet away from those chairs even though it looks like he's right beside the one. That's because of the telephoto lens effect. And he's on all fours when I took these, so imagine how huge he was, towering over the chair even though he's way back from it. I tell you, I'd rather get bitten by a rattler than attacked by that bear.

I picked all the peaches in hopes he won't break any more limbs on the tree (two so far), then headed to town to start drying them. While I watered a few things that needed it worst, I saw a lovely fresh Neon Skimmer, but couldn't get close enough for a good photo.


6 comments:

Marlin Andrus said...

Very exciting day....maybe a little too exciting!!!. Glad your OK. Amazing he could break a tee post. Connie and I are going to be down at our place on the ranch next week. Hope to visit your place again if it's OK.
Marlin

Carolyn Ohl-Johnson said...

Of course, you're always welcome.

Anonymous said...

Ok, Carolyn.... Next time you go fooling with a bear strong enough to break a T post you should at least carry a switch! lol Really glad it turned out the way it did. That does look like a big black bear for sure.
Vern

Carolyn Ohl-Johnson said...

Thanks, Vern. I won't get myself into that stupid situation again. Just thankful I survived.

ShepDawg said...

I can bearly believe this has happened. Stay safe.

Carolyn Ohl-Johnson said...

LOL. After researching Black Bear behavior online I've concluded the bear was nervous and just mock threatened me. Black Bears are all that dangerous.