Just an FYI re: bears.

They're NOT in hibernation yet. (Not that I suspected they would be, just a courtesy reminder is all.)

Stepped outside just before sun up, that moment when your eyes are still slightly adjusting to what little morning light there is, and I visually lock onto a large critter moving nearby. "Well hello there big guy", I said while thinking it was a dog strolling by to see what the chicken coop was all about, like most others do. Then the eyes adjust, defining the borders, recognizing the snout and ears as nothing canine at all.... but a 250+ lb bear.

Who needs coffee when the immediate realization that the only thing separating you from this critter is a mere wire fence. (Not that I drink coffee anyway). I'm awake! And love living in the mountains!


Been closer to bears in the past, and without a fence or any barrier for that matter, and all without incident.... so far. Just a friendly reminder to stay frosty, and remember.... we share our lands with glorious creatures that if startled, could prove to be a sad day for us and them.

Love the land and its inhabitants, live with, live free, or be removed.

Have a great day.

Badger

What a wonderful start to your morning! I'm envious.

Thx for the reminder of just how wonderful it is to live in such an amazing place.

we have this one big fella this year, been around a couple of times that we have seen him. other than that, it has been a very light year for bears for us. the good thing about this big male is that he wants no part of humans and takes off and keeps taking off at the first inkling of a human. good for him!
this is the time of year referred to as fall feeding frenzy (or something like that) for bears. They are looking for any calories they can find before tucking in.

Ammoina REALLY does work, trouble is ya have to re-do it everytime, it gets wet. Also helps with foxes.

Division of Parks and Wildlife refers to it as hyperphagia.

http://dnr.state.co.us/newsapp/press.asp?pressid=5171

In the dog days of summer bears begin ramping up their appetite in preparation for hibernation - a phenomenon termed hyperphagia. During hyperphagia, bears may eat 20 hours a day, packing in as many as 20,000 calories. That's about the equivalent of 66 Subway sandwiches. During this period, bears, more than ever, think with their stomachs and follow their noses. (Remember the power of that nose?)

You know come to think of it I like to eat more in the fall too. Getting ready for winter?

I call it my winter coat.

akilina wrote: Division of Parks and Wildlife refers to it as hyperphagia.

http://dnr.state.co.us/newsapp/press.asp?pressid=5171

In the dog days of summer bears begin ramping up their appetite in preparation for hibernation - a phenomenon termed hyperphagia. During hyperphagia, bears may eat 20 hours a day, packing in as many as 20,000 calories. That's about the equivalent of 66 Subway sandwiches. During this period, bears, more than ever, think with their stomachs and follow their noses. (Remember the power of that nose?)

You know come to think of it I like to eat more in the fall too. Getting ready for winter?

thanks! I learned something new today

We had a bear visit just today. He decided to "hang around" our deck. I think he was considering climbing it to get to the suet and hummer food (yes, we still see a hummer now and then), but reconsidered when he heard the dogs barking...







My sister-in-law who is visiting took those. I got a good HD movie of him too, but don't know how to post it.

He had tags in both ears. Hope we don't get him in trouble!

Awwwww....thanks for the photos! I know they're wild animals and all, but I could just hug the stuffin's outta it - just before it rips my head off!