The Bear Necessities

Discussion in 'Wildlife in the Garden' started by Melody Mc., May 5, 2023.

  1. Melody Mc.

    Melody Mc. Young Pine

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    Hubby and I were sitting under the willow down by the lower garden having some ice tea, when he said "What is that up in that tree? A nest??". It was across the creek, and looked like a dark mass in the tree. Then it moved...it was a bear feasting on the plump buds of the Cottonwood.

    We have seen this before, but too far away to take any clear photos. This is still a bit far. What an acrobat! Hubby figures he was about 70 feet up the tree.



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    This is why he looked like a bird nest from afar.

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    Trying to reach the good ones without going out on a limb.

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    This photo shows him going up even higher....he's not happy about it. His ears remind me of a dog's.

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    He would act like a monkey - holding on with three legs and pulling down branches to snack on.

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    I can see why they say to never bother climbing a tree to get away from a black bear. He's far braver, and much hungrier, than I will ever be.

    We missed him coming down, we just looked up and he was gone. Hopefully he climbed down.
     
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  3. Pacnorwest

    Pacnorwest Strong Ash

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    Melody great pics… bears that climb so high to reach a treat. A true testament to never climb trees while trying to get away from a bear.
     
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  4. eileen

    eileen Resident Taxonomist Staff Member Moderator Plants Contributor

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    Fantastic photographs Melody.
     
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  5. Jewell

    Jewell Incorrigible Gardener Plants Contributor

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    Great story and photos. Truly amazing how high that bear was willing to go.
     
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  6. Netty

    Netty Chaotic Gardener Plants Contributor

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    That's amazing! I always wondered what there was for bears to eat when they came out of hibernation. I have a cottonwood in the corner of the yard ... hope the bears don't find it!
     
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  7. Sjoerd

    Sjoerd Mighty Oak

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    It was so interesting seeing your bear foto’s. You guys must have been delighted whilst on your picnic.
    Yeah, those were great.
     
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  8. Clay_22

    Clay_22 Young Pine

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    Had one in my neighbors wooded area.
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    Last edited: May 16, 2023
  9. Melody Mc.

    Melody Mc. Young Pine

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    That's a lovely looking forest Clay. Nice healthy looking bear.
     
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  10. Clay_22

    Clay_22 Young Pine

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    @Melody Mc. thanks it is nice. The area behind us is wooded and grasslands and the people who own it are keeping it natural and it all leads down to a swamp marsh area. Besides bear I see deer and turkey.
     
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