Now you all know I take some pretty "crappy" pictures but this one just takes the cake....

[ebinmaine 67,274]

A very large bear left us a present in the driveway last night.

 

 

 

[JAinVA 4,619]

That answers the question does a wild bear sh@t in the woods.Nope he saves it for driveway deposits.

Edited May 4, 2019 by JAinVA

[953 nut 55,075]

Bear Scatt is a rather common sight around my place in the fall, but spring and summer they seem to go to higher elevations.

Of course this young fella showed up for a snack in mid summer a couple years ago. Didn't damage the feeder, just had a snack and left.

My wife took the photo from the window of her sewing room.

 

[JAinVA 4,619]

Now that is just darned cute.Thanks for sharing!

[JCM 9,130]

Have not seen one myself but heard they have been seen in N .Berwick lately,typical this time of year raising havoc with bird feeder's, kinda look's like large raisinet's don't it Eric?

[WVHillbilly520H 10,373]

On the trail camera a couple seasons ago (1)...or where I jumped out the truck and took his picture without his permission (2)...

[ebinmaine 67,274]

24 minutes ago, JCM said:

kinda look's like

 stock full of pure nearly unprocessed black oil sunflower seeds

[JCM 9,130]

I remember about 15 years ago in Bowerbank Maine heading in on a 2 plus mile hike to a remote Trout Pond and hearing a rustliing next to me on the trail so I bent down and saw 2 small black figures, I stood up and told my freind what I saw and he said Bear Cubs ,keep moving which we did ,not to say the hair on the back of my neck was standing up! Need to be aware of your surroundings in the back country, but I am sure you know that with your hiking experience.It was worth the hike though,2 Lb brookie's for SUPPA.

[bc.gold 3,403]

You all ain't seen nothin till ya seen a butt plug.

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fecal_plug

 

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

 

 

Jump to navigation Jump to search

A fecal plug (occasionally known as a tappen) is a large mass of hardened feces produced by a bear during its winter hibernation. The plug forms in the colon, and consists of a variety of materials ingested by the bear during and immediately before hibernating.^[1]

Some of the fecal plug's material is composed of undigested food that was eaten before the bear even entered its den. However, much is formed by cells that slough off the intestinal walls, rocks ingested by the bear during grooming sessions, and even bits of plant-based bedding. Bears have been observed licking and chewing on their own footpads during the later months of hibernation, and bits of this dried callused skin has been found in fecal plug material.^[2]

Fecal plugs are expelled by the bear upon waking in spring, usually near the entrance to the den.

 

 

Edited May 5, 2019 by bcgold

[JAinVA 4,619]

Black bears and Maine have a special meaning for me.Before dad moved to Maine in 1976 he went up there to hunt black bear.He bagged one and had the head and front paws mounted.When moved there he mounted the bears head over the door on the front porch.He had a warped sense of humor and he invited my five year old son out to the porch.Once through the door dad had him look up and the poor kid was terrified.When dad passed my son wanted the bear mount.I brought it home and it still sits in my sons old room 10years later.I keep trying to get him to do something with it.

[Dakota8338 115]

Many years ago Arkansas began restocking the 'Black Bear' in their fine state and I have seen a number of their bears while in The Natural State.  A few years ago this state began restocking 'Black Bears' and according to the news reports the Blacks Bears released into the Tensas River Basin have now increased in numbers of population to the point they are migrating out of the basin into Central Louisiana.  The Six-C's Hunting preserve which owns a total of 61,251 continuous acres in upper Central Louisiana [53,383 acres in Winn, 6,068 acres in LaSalle & 4,800 acres in Caldwell Parishes (counties to the rest of you)] reportedly released 15 juvenile Black Bears onto their property.  Late last year, at least one Black Bear, and possibly a second Black Bear outside the Six-C's hunting preserve were making a nuisance out of themselves.  Once came into a car port where a fish cooker had been used, turned over the cooker & pot with the cooking oil and just generally wrecked everything in the garage.  At another location, the same Black Bear, or another one, badly damaged a pallet of deer corn.  

 

People have never, in the past four or five generation, had to be concerned with protecting anything from the plundering, pillaging & marauding's of bears in this state, but it looks as if they are on the verge of having to do so.  Previous innocent activities like taking a walk in the woods, early season scouting for deer sign, and many other activities considered normal in the past, may have to be viewed as less innocent traditional & customary activities.  Since most citizens in this state have never had any previous experience with Black Bears, Wildlife & Fisheries has opened an whole new 'Pandora's Box' with the re-introduction of the Black Bear in my opinion!  

 

The Black Bears are not known for being vicious, and I truly doubt a problematic encounter with a Black Bear will occur in the immediate future.  However a mama with a cub or two, could be dangerous, and as with all wildlife, bears can be very unpredictable, and a 600 pound grown Black Bear could inflict great harm when in a foul mood.  As their population continue to increase, chance encounters with their species will also increase.

 

Any advise from those of you living in areas with well established Black Bear populations?  

 

 

[AMC RULES 37,127]

Leave 'em alone. 

[ebinmaine 67,274]

8 hours ago, Dakota8338 said:

Any advise from those of you living in areas with well established Black Bear populations?

It's funny how when you just live with something, you don't really think about it.

We have trash cans with snap on lids. We never leave a compost pile where we don't want an animal. (Some don't like them near the house).

Take your bird feeder in at night.

I've personally not had a bear knock over a grill or smoker but I can see why one would. They smell delicious.

Check the State of Maine website for advice.

You could also call the Maine IFW.

If you see a bear, DON'T APPROACH IT.

Keep back, stay away, forget your damn camera and selfie opportunity. It's a bit bewildering to me that some folk think as little as possible and blame the animals when they have an "encounter".

 

 

Stepping up on the  for a sec...

 

As to fear of the animals themselves??

NO. No way.

As you stated above (not vicious) they just aren't dangerous to humans. (At least those of us with common sense).

 

There is a BIG bruin around here (maybe the one that left us a present) that is at or near Maine State Record sized. Somewhere in the neighborhood of 700 lbs.

Documented by multiple people and IFW officials, Game Wardens.

 

Trina and I have ZERO concern of being attacked and have been for walks specifically looking for the big boy but haven't seen him.

 

There are FAR more dangerous things around here just as down south.

Fisher, wolf, mountain lion, larger coyote with an attitude or sickness, rabid raccoon, bull moose in the fall rut.

Not being smart.... Literally, ticks and mosquitoes put you in much more danger than a bear, due to disease.

 

A mama bear will do her best all day everyday to keep her cubs right near her. Yes they're protective... But it's actually pretty difficult to get between them.

 

A big (or even medium sized) bear COULD mess someone up if it wanted to. But it just isn't going to.

 

I don't have any statistics but I'd be willing to bet NEARLY EVERY modern day black bear attack or issue is the fault or cause of a human.

Humans en masse are afraid of bears because we're told by media we should be.

That REALLY aggravates me.

 

Grizzlies or browns, definitely!

Black bears, definitely not!

 

Stepping down from  now.

 

[Racinbob 11,044]

Well said Eric 

[bc.gold 3,403]

How to tell the difference between a black bear and a grizzly.

 

Black bear will chase you up a tree while a grizzly will shake you out of a tree.

[ebinmaine 67,274]

2 minutes ago, bcgold said:

How to tell the difference between a black bear and a grizzly.

 

Black bear will chase you up a tree while a grizzly will shake you out of a tree.

Not quite true on the part of the black bear but still pretty funny.

 

[bc.gold 3,403]

2 hours ago, ebinmaine said:

Not quite true on the part of the black bear but still pretty funny.

 

 

Something most people heading into the woods take for granted a woman on her moon could be an invitation for trouble.

[bc.gold 3,403]

A few years back the guy who delivers bread to the store in our Village came roaring down my driveway shouting there's a bear in your yard.

 

I asked him if the bear was bothering him when he replied no, I replied then we shan't bother the bear.

 

Because I collect waste restaurant cooking oil, if I forget to bring the jugs into the shop the bear will often chew through one of the plastic jugs or drag it off.

 

I had a 45 gallon drum with the top cut off full of filtered oil, forgot to close the shop door and during the nigh a bear entered the chop tipping the barrel over. What a mess but a quick trip to the farm for a truck load of sawdust soon soaked up the oil from the floor, old cement did soak a bit of oil up.

 

I figure once the oil has cured it'll be a good preservative for that aging concrete.

[bc.gold 3,403]

15 hours ago, ebinmaine said:

A very large bear left us a present in the driveway last night.

 

 

 

 

Eric are you wearing Romeo's, for the past ten years these are all I wear, they're very comfortable and long lasting.

[ebinmaine 67,274]

33 minutes ago, bcgold said:

 

Eric are you wearing Romeo's, for the past ten years these are all I wear, they're very comfortable and long lasting.

The ones in the photo are red wing worx series

[bc.gold 3,403]

16 hours ago, bcgold said:

You all ain't seen nothin till ya seen a butt plug.

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fecal_plug

 

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

 

 

Jump to navigation Jump to search

A fecal plug (occasionally known as a tappen) is a large mass of hardened feces produced by a bear during its winter hibernation. The plug forms in the colon, and consists of a variety of materials ingested by the bear during and immediately before hibernating.^[1]

Some of the fecal plug's material is composed of undigested food that was eaten before the bear even entered its den. However, much is formed by cells that slough off the intestinal walls, rocks ingested by the bear during grooming sessions, and even bits of plant-based bedding. Bears have been observed licking and chewing on their own footpads during the later months of hibernation, and bits of this dried callused skin has been found in fecal plug material.^[2]

Fecal plugs are expelled by the bear upon waking in spring, usually near the entrance to the den.

 

 

 

 

After hibernation that first bowel movement big around as a mans bicep undigested material hard as a rock and three feet long.

 

Angry constipated bear.

Edited May 5, 2019 by bcgold

[Dakota8338 115]

Thanks Eric, for you time & comments, & others too.  

 

We have plenty Copperheads, Water Moccasins (Cottonmouth's), ticks & mosquitoes & feral hogs pass through our area from time to time.  I met a young lady at a wake recently and while speaking with her, she was telling me the hunting group she belongs to, has collected so many trail camera photos of large boars, in the past couple of years, they are all carrying large caliber hand guns while doing early season scouting for deer sign, as a precaution, should a chance encounter with a large boar happen.  Now black bears are being added to the mix.    

 

I have heard all the arguments for why snakes should be left alone, and the non-venomous ones, I do not molest.  (A couple of years ago now, I went to mow the grass & weeds growing at my deer food plot with my Scag Turf Tiger, and nearing the timberline I saw a dark swaying ribbon disappear.  When I turned, to make the next cut, I noticed the ribbon coming back out into the clearing.  It was a 'Blue Runner' which will equally, run from or chase, depending on the circumstances.  Since I had turned around, he decided he would chase me, so I swung the zero turn back around and with the blades still engage, I moved back towards the Blue Runner, and told him, "If you want to dance, we'll have a go at it!"  It was kinda comical to watch the 'Blue Runner' lift his head and turn it side to side, trying to see or possibly hear the blades a little better, then slowly but surely, he conceded the contest & withdrew back into the timber.  I think he made a wise decision.)  

 

I am not very charitable about sharing space about the place with venomous snakes.  I am not paranoid regarding venomous snakes, but I do keep a watchful eye out for them when walking in the woods or working there.  Anytime I find pig sign, I fill my 'pig pipes' with corn and stake them out, in an effort to entice the pigs to stay about for a picnic.  It seems, one almost has to be a 'ghost' to deal effective with hogs.  (If, I was in the country all the time, I would be more knowledgeable of when the hogs were available and that would probably help some.) 

 

We try not to leave anything out to attract any undesirables about the home, even before I realized we had Black Bears migrating into our area.  There is often a few bags of shelled corn left over from hunting season (in the barn) and until the deer feeders exhaust their supply of corn, they will have corn from when filled usually in late September to February or possibly March.  Their legs are anchored, as a precaution against the hogs tipping them over.  (Well mine are.  My BIL uses a smaller deer feeder suspended from a large limb.)  I have no desire to have a photo session with a bear, but I am not going to try and outrun one either.  Neither do I desire any problems with Wildlife & Fisheries, but if I ever encounter one which wishes to push the envelope, I hope it has very sharp claws, for its own safety. 

 

Personally, I wish Wildlife & Fisheries had not re-introduced the Black Bears to our state.  I know there are hunters out there 'chomping at the bits' just waiting to be first in line to bag a black bear, but I am not sure I desire to hunt a black bear.  I know, I was doing just fine without having one in the neighborhood, since probably the early 1800's.  (By 1890 only a small residual population still existed along the Mississippi - Atchafalaya Region.)  Like the venomous snakes & coyotes, I believe the black bears will just become another pest & undesirable to have to contend with as their population increases.             

[ebinmaine 67,274]

@Dakota8338

I hope, I really do, that the black bear in your area turns out to be the very least of the concerns of all of those animals.

Trina and I have actually discussed on many occasions moving further south so as to have a longer grow season than the way too short 3 months that we get here in Maine.

I'm nowhere near afraid of snakes and in fact find them quite fascinating. Poisonous ones? Still fascinating, definitely. But I don't want them to be a part of my life. Where we spend most of our time outdoors, that would be a genuine and constant concern for us.

Wild pigs I think is what probably would concern me the most down there. The well-known unpredictability of temperament of the males in particular would absolutely warrant me to carry a firearm at all times.

 

We are lucky enough to live in a state that, for the most part, does a great job regulating all inland animals and the habitat and population... To the best of their limited ability.

 

If you have any questions please feel free to run them by me and I'll see if I can get a better answer than you think you may be getting down there.

 

[Dakota8338 115]

Just to be perfectly clear in what I said about hunting Black Bears.  We have no season on them at the moment, but if one were opened tomorrow, I would not have any fear of hunting a Black Bear, I just don't have any interest at the present, in hunting one.  

 

Wild hogs were roaming the woods here, before I was born, but I have no fear of them.  Yes, they can be dangerous, and the larger they become (usually the longer their tusks grow, which is really the most dangerous part), and the more dangerous they become.  Having no fear of feral hogs and acting foolish around them, are totally separate situations.  Familiarity with some wildlife may also reduce our fears, but having no or little fear, does not mean one does not have respect for what they can do.  To put it another way, the only venomous snakes, I fear, are the ones, I don't see.  If I see a venomous snake, I can control the situation, and that largely applies to most of the other animals one will encounter in this area.  

 

We have no Buffalo, Elk, Moose, Grizzlies, or other wildlife which may be beyond the normal control of mortal man, unless armed with a heavy caliber weapon.  You folks accustomed to living with Black Bears in the neighborhood, are basically telling me they do not normally & routinely fit in with this later group of wildlife, which sounds good to me.  

[ebinmaine 67,274]

58 minutes ago, Dakota8338 said:

folks accustomed to living with Black Bears in the neighborhood, are basically telling me they do not normally & routinely fit in with this later group of wildlife, which sounds good to me.  

Yeah that sounds about right.

Definitely agree with what you say about the poisonous snakes and that's the thing that bugs me about them the most. I've never ever had to live with them so I have no idea about how to do so.

 

We do have the occasional moose here but there are far far more up north.

Not the kind of thing you need to worry about except in the fall and that's only the males.