Thursday 30 June 2011

Black Bear Diaries 2011 Part 14: Sad News

Here I was all excited to visit the local bear population now I am back from vacation but little did I know how much things can change in 3 weeks.

After arriving back on Saturday afternoon and then making a weak appearance at a friend’s birthday in the evening I was up very early (5am) on Sunday and very eager to get out and spot some bears. I was a little rusty on my bike but it wasn’t long until I was back in my favorite place and after a short while I spotted a medium sized bear hanging out at the end of the trail minding his own business. The bear took off after he noticed me so I continued on my bike ride.

On Tuesday I ventured out again later at about 8 o’clock and took a short walk instead of my bike. It was pretty wet but I wanted to stretch my legs and again I spotted the same bear. This time he was closer than I’d have liked. I heard some rustling in the bushes close by so immediately started to back up and all of a sudden this head appeared and looked at me. Not always an ideal situation but I got out of the bears way quickly and it stood and watched me until it decided I was far enough away and then continued going about its business.  Silly mistake really given how tall the grass has gotten since I went away which means visibility is poor for both me and the bear. The bear looked healthy though and seems to have the area to himself at the moment. Seeing only one bear out at the moment made me wonder where the others are.

On Wednesday evening I ventured out again eager to see if other bears are back in the area. On my way I bumped into a buddy who also just got back from vacation and he shared the tragic recent news with me that two bears had been shot and wounded by hunters with bow and arrows. One was tracked down and destroyed and they believe the other injured bear is still around the area. After I caught up with the news on Wednesday night I saw the cops and conservation officer go by and I assume they are trying to track down the injured bear.

This news shocked me and everyone else who enjoys watching the local bears. Sadly it looks like one of the bears was our cute friend who I introduced you to in Black Bear Diaries Part 11 http://jmdouglasphotography.blogspot.com/2011/05/bear-diaries-2011-part-11-bear-cub-and.html

 Such awful news to come back to.

Read the article here:

 

I wonder if nature given the chance would ever turn around and praise or reward humans in quite the same way we like to reward ourselves given our many continued selfish and senseless acts.





Saturday 4 June 2011

Bear Diaries 2011 Part 13: Bear Cub and the Tree

Ever wondered what a Bear climbing a tree looks like?

I came across the Sow and cub I shared with you in Bear Diaries 2011 Part 10: The Bear Cub and Mum again one evening last week. I was on my bike when I heard some rustling in the shallow stream that runs along the side of the road. At first I didn't really acknowledge it and also if it was a Bear I didn't want to stop right there beside it. I carried on up the road another 20 meters or so and then decided to turn around and investigate, curiosity got the better of me.  It turned out to be the Sow and cub so I was very excited to see them again.  The Sow was in the tall grass doing her thing and I must have startled the little guy when I cycled passed because the cub took to the nearest tree, see below.

Did you know: Black Bears are incredibly good tree climbers unlike their Brown Bear cousins. Good to know if you ever have to run away from a bear although if they can climb trees I am not sure what the alternative means of escape are. Run really really fast?

I'll get some better photos before the end of the season but in the meantime enjoy. I am heading off on a trip so I'll be back in a wee while.


Techs: 400MM @ F5.6 // 1/125 // ISO1600 //
Canon 7D with 400mm F5.6L
Image © J M Douglas|Photography 2011


Techs: 400MM @ F5.6 // 1/125 // ISO1600 //
Canon 7D with 400mm F5.6L
Image © J M Douglas|Photography 2011
 
 

Techs: 400MM @ F5.6 // 1/125 // ISO1250 //
Canon 7D with 400mm F5.6L
Image © J M Douglas|Photography 2011


Techs: 400MM @ F5.6 // 1/125 // ISO1250 //
Canon 7D with 400mm F5.6L
Image © J M Douglas|Photography 2011

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For more information on Black Bears visit: http://www.bear.org/