What do you know about Bears?
 

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Mrs WD and I rented a cabin in the Smokies, just on the edge of the Great Smokey Mountain National Park. We just moved in, unpacked, and were enjoying a congratulatory martini on the 2nd story deck when this little black bear scrambled up a tree that's about 3 feet away from the deck. He looked at us while we scrambled to get the dogs inside and then he climbed back down. Mama and two siblings were down there waiting for him.

So, is this going to be a problem? What was his intent? He didn't seem aggressive, just inquisitive, but I just had to walk the dogs (in the dark, it's 5 AM as I write this) and I think all three of us were significantly puckered. Being a flatlander, all I know about bears is they hate forest fires and like picanic baskets.

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I know quite a lot about bears.

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Mother once came face to face with a Bear, and the Bear ran away. The Bear was overheard to say, "That woman scares the shyte out a me."

I don't thnk YOU have to worry Patrick....you can outrun your honey :). Obvuously the bears are used to people, curious, and problably looking for food...steer clear of them and just make sure you don't get near the cubs or between them and mama. Next time get/take some bear spray....this time enjoy the hot tub!!!

Dont leave food out.

Like the dawg :)....good advice!

They are angry little fcukers that rape stuffed toys

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I've had run ins with a few bears. Black bears (which also are brown, cinnamon, etc.) are basically harmful unless you get between a mother and her cubs.

Usually yelling or banging pots and pans will scare them off. They're just looking for food, keep food put away and locked up tight. They can and will find a way to get at it if it's open and available.

Oh and another thing. They don't like to be petted so don't even try.

Black bears are not dangerous to humans unless trapped or provoked. Don't leave food out and don't get between momma and the babies and you'll be fine. Google bear attacks and you'll see how rare they are. Use a bell or whistle or something to make noise to warm them away. Don't approach them and don't play with them but they aren't a danger to you if they're just climbing trees around you. Lock all items that have a smell to them (candy, all food, toiletries, etc.) in a tight box or inside the house. Keep your trash inside. They won't bother you unless you leave stuff out that they want to check out for food.

I have it on good authority that they ****e in the woods.

Not only should bear spray be carried but if you are hiking in bear country wear a bear bell. It sounds annoying but you get used to the ting a ling ling. Bears don't like to be surprised. As an example mountain bikers biking on trails in bear country can easily be attacked by bears as bears don't like surprises. Apparently bears can run 30 mph for short distances.

And black bears can attack humans. Several years ago a woman was attacked by a lone emaciated black bear and killed. On some trails where there is a high bear frequency, Parks Canada has encouraged hikers to to hike in groups of six.

The fact that the bear considers a place where human scent is so prevalent a safe place to play in broad daylight is worrisome. He/she will eventually be an adult and much larger/more dangerous.

Bear Deterrents - BearSmart.com

In the Smokies...they are considered reasonably good eatin'...just sayin'. Invite a local to visit during hunting season.

Grizzly Mother Bear Chases Down Elk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aBBmdays-c4

west coast indian custom - banishment from the tribe for 1 year for the consumption of bear meat.

Bears: (all colours) to them you are either food or a threat. If you don't think they will kill you then please stay out of the woods and they won't.

I've seen little Black bears break into a car and destroy the seats because the owners little dog came into heat one weekend. The bear tore the door skin off the car to get in. The CO's shot that bear the next day. I've watched as a bear tore thru a tent (in one side out the other) and dragged a cooler off with him in a packed campground. That one was also shot.

All bears will attack and kill you. Don't believe Disney!

All bears CAN kill you. I have them on my property frequently. They are looking for food and yes if you threaten them or the babies they will defend themselves. I have never had one attack or bluff but I keep a good buffer between us. The young ones often climb to escape a threat but in the OPs case it looks like that tree is part of their foraging path.

So be wary of having meals out there WD, do not leave the dog or dog food out there.

I have come across black bears a few times while hiking/biking in Western Canada. Twice they ran off but one time it stayed around to have a look at us, we backed down the trail and it didn't follow. I always keep bear spray handy (not tucked away in bottom of back pack).

I suspect that one or more of the previous renters where not so careful with their food or waste, maybe even feeding the bears.