Black Bear

[Chicken Feathers]

The more I learn about this wonderful creature (Black Bear) the more I like to see them in thewild you might like to check out this link http://www.friendsofwri.com/show-your-support-video to learn more about black bear. Hope you learn a lot about the black bear and enjoy them as much as I do.

[Dogwood]

Isn't it transformative when you switch lanes from a fearful, ignorant, and self centered based perspective to a knowledge, wisdom, respect, and place of coexistence(cooperation) based perspective?

[Chicken Feathers]

Isn't it transformative when you switch lanes from a fearful, ignorant, and self centered based perspective to a knowledge, wisdom, respect, and place of coexistence(cooperation) based perspective? Boy couldn't have said it better. I use to be one of those ignorant persons until I found this site nothing I had heard seem to be true. I would think if you run into a hungry black bear the circumstance might be quite different. Did you read the story about Aster the black bear how she acted after she had been shot yes she was cautious but not angry black bear. She still trusted the man who she had known all her life. Wished everyone wouldread all the data the WRI has collected over the years they might have different perspective of black bear. If you have not figured out by my raving I am fascinated by this big creature (black bear). Thanks for reading my raving.

[Chicken Feathers]

Boy couldn't have said it better. I use to be one of those ignorant persons until I found this site nothing I had heard seem to be true. I would think if you run into a hungry black bear the circumstance might be quite different. Did you read the story about Aster the black bear how she acted after she had been shot yes she was cautious but not angry black bear. She still trusted the man who she had known all her life. Wished everyone would read all the data the WRI has collected over the years they might have different perspective of black bear. If you have not figured out by my raving I am fascinated by this big creature (black bear). Thanks for reading my raving. Another site you might like North American Bear Center (http://www.bearstudy.org/website/index.php?subid=5877&option=com_acymailing&no_html=1&ctrl=url&urlid=5&mailid=917)

[Dogwood]

A similar situation occurs with fearful, ignorant, and self centered humans in regard to humanity's relationship with wolves, sharks, snakes, bison, etc. Humans don't always act so brightly as they think they are.

[Natureflixs]

Never have had a problem with black bear. Upon encountering I went my way and he/she went the other way. However, first encounters can be a little unnerving.

[MuddyWaters]

People tend to demonize anything with sharp teeth or claws, especially so if it is larger than they are.

The only demon that roams the earth, is human.

[Wise Old Owl]

I am having issues with the link... again with the bears...

Sorry I am soooo going there...


http://carrotsncake.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/funny-pictures-cat-wonders-what-part-of-the-chicken-is-the-nugget_thumb.jpg

OK shuffles feet looks down a gasp ....and a huge apology to all WB fok... got the document to work... and I am on the fence...
Rogers v MN DNR

Lynn Rogers filed a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) against the Minnesota DNR in the Ramsey District Court on July 23, 2013. The lawsuit asks the court to intervene and allow him to continue his research. Documents filed with the court are below. A hearing date has been set for July 29, 2013 at 9:00 AM CT.
Summons and Complaint (Rogers v MN DNR)1.79 MB (http://www.bearstudy.org/website/images/stories/Documents/2013_07_23_Summons_and_Complaint_Rogers_v_MN_DNR-c.pdf)
Defendants' Memorandum (Rogers v MN DNR)1.32 MB (http://www.bearstudy.org/website/images/stories/Documents/Defendants_Memorandum-c.pdf)
Rogers Reply Brief (Rogers v MN DNR)61.51 KB (http://www.bearstudy.org/website/images/stories/Documents/Rogers_Reply_Brief-c-c.pdf)



Below is the Court Ordered issued by Judge Guthmann at the July 29, 2013 hearing.
Court Order (Rogers v MN DNR)142.31 KB (http://www.bearstudy.org/website/images/stories/Documents/Rogers.DNR_-_Order-c.pdf)

http://www.bearstudy.org/website/images/stories/test_photos/hd_slide01_ms.jpg
Remember this guy from over a month ago... I have seen both sides... the govt is forcing him into retirement.

if you dig further ( sorry) for the politics the liberal scientists are vilifying this great guy

[Wise Old Owl]

Chicken Feathers you did not do a lay up with your first post. This has been recently on NPR and other news organizations, its not a bad thing, just not presented well.

http://www.bear.org/website/introduction-from-dr-lynn-rogers.html

http://www.bearstudy.org/website/

Lynn Rogers, Ph.D.,


(http://www.bearstudy.org/website/)

[Tri-Pod Bob]

A similar situation occurs with fearful, ignorant, and self centered humans in regard to humanity's relationship with wolves, sharks, snakes, bison, etc. Humans don't always act so brightly as they think they are.

+100!! And a big AMEN!!!

[Hill Ape]

at one end of the spectrum is an irrational fear of any wildlife, at the other end is the alarming trend of trying to have a personal experience/relationship with wild animals. I grew up loving the show Nature, but have been appalled at the recent trend of "living with" documentaries, whatever animal it is. bears, even harmless black bear, are not cuddly teddy bears. Admire them, photograph them, talk to them, but don't pet them.

[Chicken Feathers]

Chicken Feathers you did not do a lay up with your first post. This has been recently on NPR and other news organizations, its not a bad thing, just not presented well.

http://www.bear.org/website/introduction-from-dr-lynn-rogers.html

http://www.bearstudy.org/website/

Lynn Rogers, Ph.D.,


(http://www.bearstudy.org/website/) Thanks Owl man I found this site in 2010 and have learned a lot about black bear. I guess the big thing is they are much more scared of us than we are of them

[Chicken Feathers]

I am having issues with the link... again with the bears...

Sorry I am soooo going there...


http://carrotsncake.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/funny-pictures-cat-wonders-what-part-of-the-chicken-is-the-nugget_thumb.jpg

OK shuffles feet looks down a gasp ....and a huge apology to all WB fok... got the document to work... and I am on the fence...
Rogers v MN DNR

Lynn Rogers filed a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) against the Minnesota DNR in the Ramsey District Court on July 23, 2013. The lawsuit asks the court to intervene and allow him to continue his research. Documents filed with the court are below. A hearing date has been set for July 29, 2013 at 9:00 AM CT.
Summons and Complaint (Rogers v MN DNR)1.79 MB (http://www.bearstudy.org/website/images/stories/Documents/2013_07_23_Summons_and_Complaint_Rogers_v_MN_DNR-c.pdf)
Defendants' Memorandum (Rogers v MN DNR)1.32 MB (http://www.bearstudy.org/website/images/stories/Documents/Defendants_Memorandum-c.pdf)
Rogers Reply Brief (Rogers v MN DNR)61.51 KB (http://www.bearstudy.org/website/images/stories/Documents/Rogers_Reply_Brief-c-c.pdf)



Below is the Court Ordered issued by Judge Guthmann at the July 29, 2013 hearing.
Court Order (Rogers v MN DNR)142.31 KB (http://www.bearstudy.org/website/images/stories/Documents/Rogers.DNR_-_Order-c.pdf)

http://www.bearstudy.org/website/images/stories/test_photos/hd_slide01_ms.jpg
Remember this guy from over a month ago... I have seen both sides... the govt is forcing him into retirement.

if you dig further ( sorry) for the politics the liberal scientists are vilifying this great guy They ( DNR) does not like it because he is trying to teach people that the black bear is not as bad as the DNR want you to believe you just have to be careful. I personally want to enjoy them from far but I do think that the black bear are more afraid of you than we are of them. I still want to keep my distance an enjoy them. Why do hunters shoot the radio collar bear. My opinion of that is like fishing in a bowl they stand out (black bear) because of the ribbons they put on the study bear you have to be a bad hunter to shoot one of these bears. I feel we need hunters I had rather a bear be shoot than starve to death because of the shortage of food but they do not have to wait until a stand out bear comes alone to shoot one go out and hunt and also I do not agree that they (hunters) should be able to bait for bears. Why does the DNR object to the video cam Dr. Rogers put in bear dens I think it is fascinating to see the video cam showing birth of a bear. Just my two cents worth.

[Pedaling Fool]

They ( DNR) does not like it because he is trying to teach people that the black bear is not as bad as the DNR want you to believe you just have to be careful. I personally want to enjoy them from far but I do think that the black bear are more afraid of you than we are of them...Because then they become habituated and they lose their fear and that's what leads to problems. Black bears are wild and they are predators and they will prey on small children; they are not like dogs, which can be trained.

That picture may look "cute" to some, but when a whole mass of bears lose their fear of humans, as that one, then you got problems, because they will come into your camp and bully food from you and a host of other problems.

[Dogwood]

Agree with PF on this one. Observe and respect. Keep some distance. Let the bears stay wild. Human behavior, even when well intentioned, can have obverse negative affects on bear/human interactions. Now this bear is habituated to hang around humans. What might happen when a different human behaving a different way as Mr Lynn interacts with this bear? See any potential issue with that situation? You betcha.

[Pedaling Fool]

Because then they become habituated and they lose their fear and that's what leads to problems. Black bears are wild and they are predators and they will prey on small children; they are not like dogs, which can be trained.

That picture may look "cute" to some, but when a whole mass of bears lose their fear of humans, as that one, then you got problems, because they will come into your camp and bully food from you and a host of other problems.
A bear attack in Florida, which is a very rare thing for Florida. The details are very lacking, still trying to find info. They're not pets.

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/breakingnews/os-bear-attack-orlando-20131203,0,605959.story This link is a little bit more detailed than the national news stories, which don't say much at all; however, there are still questions after reading the above link. (2 pages with a video link)

[tolowo80]

People tend to demonize anything with sharp teeth or claws, especially so if it is larger than they are.

The only demon that roams the earth, is human.

Exactly...

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using Tapatalk

[JaketheFake]

I never understood the irrational fear people have of black bears. But I guess I am different... I don't fear alligators either. I went alligator hunting once and the worst thing that happened was a drunk killed my best friend on the way there. Fear REAL dangers and respect POSSIBLE dangers.

[Pedaling Fool]

This is NOT about fear of bears. It's about understanding that they are wild animals and they are not to be habituated, contrary to what the link in the OP states, this will lead to major problems in the big picture. I am not afraid of bears, if you look in my gallery (pic below) you will see a pic of a bear that was not afraid of me and actually huffed and stomped his front pawls on the ground; he wasn't naturally fearful of me like most bears. I didn't run and wasn't concerned for my safety, but because it wasn't afraid of me it presents a hazard, especially to children. That's just a fact of life, they are predators, despite being omnivorous.

Dogs are man's best friend, not wolves and that's largely because we've bred a lot of wildness out of them; bears have not had the wildness bred out of them. The idea that you can just hang around bears and pet them like they're overgrown dogs is simply naive.

http://whiteblaze.net/forum/vbg/files/6/9/3/6/06-15-061626.jpg (http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/showimage.php?i=17964&original=1&c=548)

[4eyedbuzzard]

People tend to demonize anything with sharp teeth or claws, especially so if it is larger than they are.

The only demon that roams the earth, is human.
COUNTERPOINT: We are the descendants of those early humans who were not eaten.
There is likely a genetic component - an ingrained fear of large predators with sharp teeth and claws - that combines with an environmental component/cultural legacy that causes "modern" people to still, perhaps to a fault, fear bears and lions and sharks and . . .
Recognizing the nature of our fears and putting them in perspective can be difficult, especially when we wander from our civilized environment and more onto "their turf". It is still a healthy perspective as a human to have enough fear to avoid confrontations with large animals with sharp teeth. Bear, moose, big cats, alligators, etc. are not animals you want to mess around with, because physically you have about zero chance of prevailing should the worst occur.

[Chicken Feathers]

The North American Bear Center and Dr. Rogers and staff have just adopted a cub as she was separated from her mother during a fire a human helped the bear out until it got to big from him to care for he turned it over to the rangers in his state and they have determined that the cub could not survive in the wild and Dr Rogers has taken him in for the rest of the cubs live he will have to live in a pin because of a human mistake. What I have learned it that the pin is several acers for the bear to roam but it is sad that she is not out in the wild where she belongs.

[polechar]

Here's my bear encounter in SNP, just thought I would share.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xBkCsWZ9n6E

[HikerMom58]

Here's my bear encounter in SNP, just thought I would share.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xBkCsWZ9n6E

Nice bear vid polechar..... did ur dog make it all the way with you?

[polechar]

Thanks HM, I have 2 dogs, one did 400 miles and one did 1500 miles, I did southern Maine, the whites and SMNP by myself. I had a great time with them. Miss Kay, the dog in this video, paces back and forth at home now, I know she misses the trail, she loved it.

[HikerMom58]

Thanks HM, I have 2 dogs, one did 400 miles and one did 1500 miles, I did southern Maine, the whites and SMNP by myself. I had a great time with them. Miss Kay, the dog in this video, paces back and forth at home now, I know she misses the trail, she loved it.


Aww... that cool, polechar! She's a beautiful dog! Congrats on your 2013 thru! :) I see you live in Plymouth, VT ... I used to live in Plymouth, NH...graduated from HS there! :o) I miss living in NE, sometimes.

[Chicken Feathers]

Would like to share a video of a special birth of a bear enjoy the link
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8GIl_XcvDso

[HikerMom58]

That's a beautiful story, soo sad. I'm just curious why they couldn't have tried a lil harder to get the collar on Hope. Maybe lightly sedate her to get it on her, knowing that it was hunting season & it may save her life. JW.

[4eyedbuzzard]

The North American Bear Center and Dr. Rogers and staff have just adopted a cub as she was separated from her mother during a fire a human helped the bear out until it got to big from him to care for he turned it over to the rangers in his state and they have determined that the cub could not survive in the wild and Dr Rogers has taken him in for the rest of the cubs live he will have to live in a pin because of a human mistake. What I have learned it that the pin is several acers for the bear to roam but it is sad that she is not out in the wild where she belongs.While it is sad in the sense that the bear will not be living like a wild bear, it will likely live a very full life, and a much longer one than most wild bears. "Kept bears", even if they are free to do so, don't roam as much as wild ones who must move/travel for food, because they are fed regularly. Basically, they don't run off, because they don't need to. They are, like most animals, efficient (lazy?) in that sense While it "isn't what nature intended", the bear will only know the life it knows, and it won't be a cruel or harsh one.

[Marta]

Here's my bear encounter in SNP, just thought I would share.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xBkCsWZ9n6E

That bear looked like a young and foolish one.

[Dogwood]

The North American Bear Center and Dr. Rogers and staff have just adopted a cub as she was separated from her mother during a fire a human helped the bear out until it got to big from him to care for he turned it over to the rangers in his state and they have determined that the cub could not survive in the wild and Dr Rogers has taken him in for the rest of the cubs live he will have to live in a pin because of a human mistake. What I have learned it that the pin is several acers for the bear to roam but it is sad that she is not out in the wild where she belongs.

Glad that you put the pic into context of the actual situation. :)

[Chicken Feathers]

That's a beautiful story, soo sad. I'm just curious why they couldn't have tried a lil harder to get the collar on Hope. Maybe lightly sedate her to get it on her, knowing that it was hunting season & it may save her life. JW. The bear center does not sedate the bears there because they say they have more trust with the bears if they do not sedate. Go to www.bear.org lots of information on the black bear. Also check out the new cub (Hollie) they have adopted because someone tried to care for the bear and when it got to big to handle they turned it in to the DNR and DNR determined that the bear could not survive in the wild so Dr Rogers adopted it. Sad because now the cub will have to live in a closed in area for the rest of it life.

[HikerMom58]

The bear center does not sedate the bears there because they say they have more trust with the bears if they do not sedate. Go to www.bear.org (http://www.bear.org) lots of information on the black bear. Also check out the new cub (Hollie) they have adopted because someone tried to care for the bear and when it got to big to handle they turned it in to the DNR and DNR determined that the bear could not survive in the wild so Dr Rogers adopted it. Sad because now the cub will have to live in a closed in area for the rest of it life.

Okay... :)

Did you realize that black bears that live close to the AT have to be killed b/c they have lost their fear of humans? That's really sad too. At least this Hollie cub can live albeit not the life it was supposed to live.

[Chicken Feathers]

That is because bear know that human have food. you should go to www.bear.org and read what they are about. they do not feed the bears except to take their heart rate, change the radio collar and even then they do not feed the bears only a few nuts or grapes and then the bears go and do what bears do. It is for me anyway very interesting how they track the radio collar bears. And when they put video cam in the den to watch the bear giving birth and so forth. I like watching at times. They the Bear Center has volunteers from around the world watching the video cam when they are sleeping and reporting if anything special happens.

[Chicken Feathers]

a funny video post of Hollie and vinnie the voll here is link http://youtu.be/VC8DqUiKygg

[Deer Hunter]

I love bears. They are truly amazing animals. Found this and thought I would share.

http://www.grindtv.com/outdoor/nature/post/rare-video-shows-bears-climbing-sheer-cliff/

[jjozgrunt]

Love the info on bears. Seems after reading a lot of journals that very few people actually encounter bears on the AT. I'm planning the AT for 2016 and the only things that eat you here, Australia, are in the water so bears are a little outside my comfort zone.

[Coffee]

Love the info on bears. Seems after reading a lot of journals that very few people actually encounter bears on the AT. I'm planning the AT for 2016 and the only things that eat you here, Australia, are in the water so bears are a little outside my comfort zone.
What about the Cassowary? These birds scare me way more than black bears!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YA58sS3x2Oo

[jjozgrunt]

What about the Cassowary? These birds scare me way more than black bears!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YA58sS3x2Oo

Very limited number of areas you are likely to run into Cassowarys, but like all animals on the wrong day in the wrong place they can hurt you.

[Snowleopard]

... Why does the DNR object to the video cam Dr. Rogers put in bear dens I think it is fascinating to see the video cam showing birth of a bear. ...
Mass Wildlife (state agency, Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife) does this themselves and radio tags the bears. The video of the bear's den and cubs is fascinating.

Bears are wild animals and are best left wild. Mostly, they are not to be feared but should be treated with respect (and some distance). There have been bear attacks, some fatal, near the AT in the Smokies, in NJ and in NY, but these are very rare. It's more common for bears that get too familiar with humans or that get human food (being fed, raiding home garbage or getting hiker food) to be shot by rangers. 'A fed bear is a dead bear.'

[Pedaling Fool]

The more I learn about this wonderful creature (Black Bear) the more I like to see them in thewild you might like to check out this link http://www.friendsofwri.com/show-your-support-video to learn more about black bear. Hope you learn a lot about the black bear and enjoy them as much as I do.Another lesson in black bear behavior; they do like meat, including us. I remember many people would repeat a meme along the lines of: Black Bears don't eat humans, because they didn't evolve to eat us.

That's bunk! Bears are omnivores and like all omnivores we are generalists. This is not unusual behavior, it's only natural. http://news.yahoo.com/black-bear-eats-body-californian-man-reports-083616793.html


Excerpt:

"The bear is thought to have come across the body of 65-year-old Marion Lee Williams near his trailer in California's densely-forested and mountainous Humboldt County, the Los Angeles Times said Friday.

"It looks like he collapsed and died," CBS quoted county deputy coroner Roy Horton as saying. "The bear comes along and sees a potential food source."

The animal dragged his body into a cave to feast on, the newspaper said.

Williams, who lived alone and "off the grid," was last seen on October 8 and authorities discovered his remains on Monday, CBS reported.

Investigators used Williams' fingerprints, dentures and pieces of clothing to identify him.

He is believed to have died at some point in the past week, the LA Times said.

"The bear does not pose a public threat," the paper quoted Andrew Hughan, spokesman for the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, as saying.

"It was just doing what bears do."

[Coffee]

Bears are opportunists so this story doesn't surprise me and actually it wouldn't concern me all that much. If I happen to die on the trail of other causes, I pretty much assume that I'm going to be consumed in some manner until found. Either it will be insects or a bear. I'd probably prefer a bear, not that it would matter. Nature is a tough place and survival is competitive. It would be ridiculous to think that a bear would stumble across an edible deceased food source, human or otherwise, and pass it up. This is far removed behavior from actually hunting humans and I don't worry about that at all with black bears.

[Woof Shaven]

I am anti hunting but also not a vegetarian. I like to eat meat. I think I am anti hunting mostly due to the fear of accidentally getting shot. I live in the woods for most of my life, but the wilderness areas around me have shrunken to the point wear a bullet can easily pass from on end to the other.

I would consider myself an animal lover. I like pets. I guess some wild animals can be trained or bonds between people and any given normally un-domesticatable animal can and do occur as shown above. That bear looks cute.

I believe an apex predator's nature is to be an apex predator. I'm still not going to hunt them.

I don't blame the bear in the story above either if the original assumptions are valid.

If you watch enough those Alaska wilderness shows it is pretty clear you do need to maintain a vigil lent defense.

I hope I haven't totally contradicted myself.

White bears scary, brown bears scary, black bears cute but one should be wary.

[2015 Lady Thru-Hiker]

Love the info on bears. Seems after reading a lot of journals that very few people actually encounter bears on the AT. I'm planning the AT for 2016 and the only things that eat you here, Australia, are in the water so bears are a little outside my comfort zone.

I've seen 6 this year at different places along the AT between NY and VA but typically they run in the opposite direction as soon as they sensed my presence. The rattler I ran into was a different story. He stood his ground :)

[DooDa]

I'm planning a 1000 mile hike May-Aug, 2016. I'm doing lots of research, conditioning, gear testing, etc. I feel that I am doing everything I can to prepare myself for the trail. So how do I get over my fear of bears? I will follow some of the advice above and check out http://www.friendsofwri.com/show-your-support-video and http://www.bear.org/website/introduc...nn-rogers.html (http://www.bear.org/website/introduction-from-dr-lynn-rogers.html) . Any other suggestions?

[BirdBrain]

The statistics show that the fear is not justified. That fact is completely irrelevant. A hike is supposed to be fun. Carry bear spray as a security blanket. Know how to use it. Have it handy. The spray is not needed. The peace that comes with it is needed.

[rickb]

You could think of them like a roller coaster-- safe, but scary. Then embrace the adrenaline rush.

Probably worth remembering that when you hear something that sounds like bear in the middle of the night, the odds are VERY high that it is a critter no larger than an opossum. And if you hear an opossum sized critter it's probably really something he size of a squirrel.

If you do see or hear a bear, you have a good story. They represent virtually zero risk on the AT.

[BirdBrain]

rickb is absolutely correct and gives good advice. So is every person that marginalizes the risk. There really is such a microscopic risk that it is not worth worrying about. However, the more I hear this type of thing debated, the more I am convinced that this is one time that facts are less relevant. It is a fact that you will not win a fight with a bear. That does not matter because you will not be fighting a bear. It is a fact that a bear cannot win when you deploy bear spray properly. Again, that fact is irrelevant because you will never use the spray. What matters is what gives you more comfort. For most, that will be not carrying the dead weight of spray. For others, it will be the peace of mind of having a winning defense. The correct answer is what makes you comfortable.

[Odd Man Out]

So many people say they have hiked the AT for years and never saw a bear. I saw one 5 hours into my first day, so you never know. And as most often reported, I saw only its rump as it ran away.

[Offshore]

What matters is what gives you more comfort. For most, that will be not carrying the dead weight of spray. For others, it will be the peace of mind of having a winning defense. The correct answer is what makes you comfortable.

Very true. Think of it like choosing auto, home, or health insurance. A big part of what you're paying for is the peace of mind knowing you are doing what you can do to manage your risks to a level that is acceptable to you.

[NY HIKER 50]

Reality check time.

I have had encounter with bears myself. However, I treat them with respect. They are still wild animals and deserve caution. I also remember a certain movie where the person said "I would die for these bears" and he certainly did. He was killed by them. I have no fear but would be ready if one did try to attack. Most times they run the other way and I'm glad.

[martinb]

That was Tim Treadwell and he was killed by a Kodiak brown bear. I have seen bears on three-quarters of my trips through GSMNP and Shenandoah. I've also had a couple of very close encounters. Knowing what to do makes all the difference. That said, I carry spray and it's not just for bears.

[August W.]

Treadwell got so close to the beautiful creatures he loved. You could easily see the fascination and respect in his films. Doug Peacock has also done some important research and written at least one fine, entertaining book on bears and their human predicament. I am several years removed from following those who follow bears.
Forgive me if it's already been said but that can of bear spray is mostly a symbolic safety blanket and will likely sooner be used against those who walk on two legs rather than four if truly being used to defend your life.

[August W.]

Treadwell got so close to the beautiful creatures he loved. You could easily see the fascination and respect in his films. Doug Peacock has also done some important research and written at least one fine, entertaining book on bears and their human predicament. I am several years removed from following those who follow bears.
Forgive me if it's already been said but that can of bear spray is mostly a symbolic safety blanket and will likely sooner be used against those who walk on two legs rather than four if truly being used to defend your life.

[Pedaling Fool]

Black bears are not in the state of Indiana, but apparently they are making a comeback, based on footprints and scat. Personally, I think those prints belong to a bigfoot, but if they say it's a black bear, who am I to argue:D

http://news.yahoo.com/black-bear-spotted-indiana-first-time-144-years-213351835.html

[Pedaling Fool]

Black bears are not in the state of Indiana, but apparently they are making a comeback, based on footprints and scat. Personally, I think those prints belong to a bigfoot, but if they say it's a black bear, who am I to argue:D

http://news.yahoo.com/black-bear-spotted-indiana-first-time-144-years-213351835.htmlActually, come to think of it, it's probably some hoaxers with wooden carved bear paws -- bears in Indiana...that's just crazy:)

[Odd Man Out]

Actually, come to think of it, it's probably some hoaxers with wooden carved bear paws --y bears in Indiana...that's just crazy:)

Confirmed bear sightings recently in SW MI which is very close to IN.

[Pedaling Fool]

Confirmed bear sightings recently in SW MI which is very close to IN.I think it's just hoaxers in a bear suit:)