I like blackberries. Bears like blackberries.
Yesterday I was walking along the Deerwood road and peeked in to see if my favourite blackberry bush had any new stuff for me to chew on.
As I reach into the dense bush, a black, furry blur hops off into the woods. Didn't move like a fisher or a cat. No tail.
It was one of the bear cubs.
BEAR CUB!!!!!!!!
Suddenly I was on RED ALERT because momma had to be nearby. Black bear attacks, of course, will most likely occur when a momma bear believes one of her cubs is threatened.
With hand on sword grip I hastily moved on, singing "I'm a Yankee Doodle Dandy" in a loud, but not a threatening way.
And then the bear cub starts loping back to the blackberry bush - towards me.
I walked (hastily) down the road (hastily) not seeing momma bear (hastily) anywhere in sight and got away. But where was momma bear then? At such a young age, I doubt bear cubs are often separated from their mother. As it is bear season, I wonder if momma bear is now in the form of sausages. If so, it doesn't look good for the three cubs minus momma.
Showing posts with label bear. Show all posts
Showing posts with label bear. Show all posts
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Friday, September 11, 2009
Bear Sausage
Just when you thought you'd had enough bear....
JR over at work killed a bear a couple days ago. Skinned it, cut up the 150 lb bear into 50 lbs of meat and made sausages.
He came in with some this morning and I enjoyed bear sausage on the boat to the job site. Thanks, JR.
What does it taste like? Don't taste like chicken.
Boy, let me tell ya, that is some goood eatin'.
JR over at work killed a bear a couple days ago. Skinned it, cut up the 150 lb bear into 50 lbs of meat and made sausages.
He came in with some this morning and I enjoyed bear sausage on the boat to the job site. Thanks, JR.
What does it taste like? Don't taste like chicken.
Boy, let me tell ya, that is some goood eatin'.
Sunday, September 6, 2009
Bears to the Left of Me, Bears to the Right....
You might laugh when I say Deerwood is crawling with bears. I know the truth of it.
Was walking a Deerwood trail in the deciduous compartment yesterday when I heard a sudden crashing to my right.
At first I couldn't spot what or where it was coming from. It was the clumsy sound that only a bear makes in a rush through the forest. Then another crashing added to it - above the forest floor.
Then I saw them, two bears heard my approach from 25 metres away and were barreling down separate tree trunks toward ground. Like a pair of over sized monkeys in bear costumes. I put the whistle in my mouth and got ready to blow, dead still. They must have hit the ground and stopped, waited.
I walked along the trail a few feet and another crashing sound up and to the left as another bear zoomed down a tree trunk. You might say I was surrounded by bears.
Whistle in mouth, sword on back, I walked forward, shuffling my feet over the leaves so they could hear my movement. Because of the dense bush I couldn't see them, but I knew they were close.
Was walking a Deerwood trail in the deciduous compartment yesterday when I heard a sudden crashing to my right.
At first I couldn't spot what or where it was coming from. It was the clumsy sound that only a bear makes in a rush through the forest. Then another crashing added to it - above the forest floor.
Then I saw them, two bears heard my approach from 25 metres away and were barreling down separate tree trunks toward ground. Like a pair of over sized monkeys in bear costumes. I put the whistle in my mouth and got ready to blow, dead still. They must have hit the ground and stopped, waited.
I walked along the trail a few feet and another crashing sound up and to the left as another bear zoomed down a tree trunk. You might say I was surrounded by bears.
Whistle in mouth, sword on back, I walked forward, shuffling my feet over the leaves so they could hear my movement. Because of the dense bush I couldn't see them, but I knew they were close.
Friday, September 4, 2009
To Live or Die By the Sword
Here is my reply to Steve and Jamie analysis of my likely death if I fight a bear with a sword instead of a firearm....
Believe me, I've thought hard about the firearm option. The important
thing is that it has to be practical. My weapon of choice can't
hinder my active forest activities. Considering a rifle of whatever
sort, I'd have to strap it across my back. In order for it not to
slip slide around when it's on my back (while chainsawing, or carrying
brush), I'd have to cinch it tight. This would both restrict my
movement and prevent a quick draw in case of sudden attack - which is
possible in this dense bush. Also, because of the dense bush, a rifle
barrel is difficult to quickly and accurately aim with all the
vegetation serving as obstacles.
So, then, why not a handgun (or 'kit' gun) in a holster? That would
solve some of the rifle problems. Though, getting a pistol license
takes quite a bit of time - meanwhile I'm still empty-handed in the
woods. Also, a firearm has offensive capacity. Bears are known to
make false charges, testing humans to assess threat. I'd be tempted
with a firearm to shoot first and ask the bear questions later without
actually being at any physical risk.
Therefore, the short sword which I carry strapped up the middle of my
back. It couldn't be any longer. At 19", that's the extent of my
arm's reach to draw it from the scabbard. Also, any longer, and it
would reach past my waist and the belt couldn't secure it's base for
drawing and I couldn't sit down with it on.
My strategy is to impale a charging bear. I would step right foot
forward into a deep stance and extend the sword with two hands to
impale the bear at the base of the neck. My left palm butted into the
base of the hilt so the sword isn't pushed back and out of my hands.
In this way, it is only a defensive weapon, one of last resort.
Right now I say that I'm willing to die in the attempt to defend
myself with a sword. Ask me again as the sword is failing me during
the unlikely event of a bear attack and I may have a different answer.
With a sword, I am giving the bear a sporting chance. And, let's be
honest, carrying a sword around the woods as a justified means of
self-defense is pretty cool. The idea of fighting a bear with a sword
is ice cream cold.
Believe me, I've thought hard about the firearm option. The important
thing is that it has to be practical. My weapon of choice can't
hinder my active forest activities. Considering a rifle of whatever
sort, I'd have to strap it across my back. In order for it not to
slip slide around when it's on my back (while chainsawing, or carrying
brush), I'd have to cinch it tight. This would both restrict my
movement and prevent a quick draw in case of sudden attack - which is
possible in this dense bush. Also, because of the dense bush, a rifle
barrel is difficult to quickly and accurately aim with all the
vegetation serving as obstacles.
So, then, why not a handgun (or 'kit' gun) in a holster? That would
solve some of the rifle problems. Though, getting a pistol license
takes quite a bit of time - meanwhile I'm still empty-handed in the
woods. Also, a firearm has offensive capacity. Bears are known to
make false charges, testing humans to assess threat. I'd be tempted
with a firearm to shoot first and ask the bear questions later without
actually being at any physical risk.
Therefore, the short sword which I carry strapped up the middle of my
back. It couldn't be any longer. At 19", that's the extent of my
arm's reach to draw it from the scabbard. Also, any longer, and it
would reach past my waist and the belt couldn't secure it's base for
drawing and I couldn't sit down with it on.
My strategy is to impale a charging bear. I would step right foot
forward into a deep stance and extend the sword with two hands to
impale the bear at the base of the neck. My left palm butted into the
base of the hilt so the sword isn't pushed back and out of my hands.
In this way, it is only a defensive weapon, one of last resort.
Right now I say that I'm willing to die in the attempt to defend
myself with a sword. Ask me again as the sword is failing me during
the unlikely event of a bear attack and I may have a different answer.
With a sword, I am giving the bear a sporting chance. And, let's be
honest, carrying a sword around the woods as a justified means of
self-defense is pretty cool. The idea of fighting a bear with a sword
is ice cream cold.
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Billy vs. Black Bear (A D&D Simulation)
My good buddies, Steve and Jamie, thought it would be amusing to see how I would fare with my sword in fighting off a black bear. Here's the e-mail Steve sent me for your own amusement....
Billy,
After reading your blog I decided for my own amusement to run your potential battle with a adult black bear through a combat model from Dungeons and Dragons. Apologies - I have included some simplified instructions in case you are unfamiliar with the game.
I am guessing your character class would be a Ranger and based on your various adventures and training I would say you might qualify as a Level 2 or "Strider". There was debate over this since to progress to level 2 you need to actually collect treasure and kill monsters to get experience points but since you have had many interesting and challenging adventures in your life this helps to offset those figures.
As a level 2 Ranger this entitles you to two hit dice of up to 8 points each. For simplicity sake lets do an average roll score plus one bonus point for each Hit Die. So this means 4 hit points x 2 hit dice +2 bonus points per die = 12 total hit points. Let’s assume you are probably wearing outdoor work and lumbering clothes (chainsaw helmet, chaps, gloves, layered leather jacket, construction boots) which I believe would be the equivalent of studded leather armour which would give you an armour class of 7. You have indicated on your blog that you have purchased a short sword for such encounter which according to the Official D&D Player's Handbook (Gary Gygax 1977) does damage of 1-6 hit points. As a human you have the ability to do one attack per melee round.
An adult black bear (according to the Official D&D Monster Manual also by Gary Gygax 1978) has the following stats. 3+3 Hit Dice (again - using averages plus 1 - the bear would have 12 base hit points, +3 natural bonus hit points, plus another 3 points per die for grand total of 18 hit points). Armour Class 7. A bear has three attacks per melee round using 2 claw attacks and one bite (claws 1-3, 1-3, and bite 1-6). If the Bear scores an 18 or above on a 20 sided dice when doing an attack chance roll then the Bear successfully has you in an bear hug which does 2-8 additional damage. Keep in mind you roll a 20 out of 20 then that is considered a critical hit and will double your damage. If you roll a 1 that is a critical miss and your weapon will be compromised or broken and will hit at half damage.
I have taken your assumed character stats into consideration (Strength, Dexterity, Intelligence, Wisdom, Constitution, and Charisma). These are ranked from 1-18. 18 is the highest and is reserved for the elite - Conan the Barbarian would have 18 strength, Stephen Hawking would have 18 intelligence, etc). It is unlikely that your stats will fall in the 16-18 range so you will not get any significant bonuses to your attack chances, damage rolls, or health points.
There was also great discussion about other factors which could be determined by the chance roll of the dice. For example- if someone like your Mom could hear the cry of battle or your cries for help, whether she would make it to the scene in time to either assist with the fight or with saving your life, or if an opponent was rendered unconscious what would happen to the body at that point - i.e. would the bear continue to attack or eat your lifeless body or leave the scene to return to protect its young. But it was decided this was too complicated and we just stuck to the battle stats.
When a battle begins normally a dice is rolled to see who gets first attack. Since you have indicated that you have already prepared for such an attack (and taken steps to avoid such an encounter) I believe you should have first strike since it is assumed the bear will be charging you and you will be readying yourself. Using my D&D "attack calculator" you need a score of 13 or higher on a 20 sided dice to hit the bear's AC of 7. The bear will need a 9 or higher to hit your AC of 7. The bear's chances are higher because of its higher hit dice level.
In fairness to both parties 3 different rounds were simulated with the official dice rolls being documented by Mr. James Edward Broadley. I think round 1 offered some unique and unusual dice rolls. Perhaps a few more rounds might offer some more favourable results that what we discovered. My conclusion and recommendation: Buy a gun and get some better bear fighting armour.
LET THE BATTLES BEGIN
FIGHT 1 - ROUND 1
BILL (Ranger LVL 2 AC 7 HP 12 DAM 1-6)
Sword: 12 (miss)
BEAR (HD3+3 AC 7 HP 18 DAM 1-3,1-3,1-6)
Claw 1: roll 13 (Hit - 3hp)
Claw 2: roll 19 (Hit -3hp PLUS Bear Hug Damage: 2 hp)
Bite: roll 7 (Miss)
FIGHT 1 - ROUND 2
BILL (Ranger LVL 2 AC 7 HP 4 DAM 1-6)
Sword attack: roll 8 (Miss)
BEAR (HD3+3 AC 7 HP 18 DAM 1-3,1-3,1-6)
Claw 1: Roll 1 (Critical Miss - Broken Paw - half damage for future hits)
Claw 2: Roll 1 (Another Critical Miss! - Broken Paw - half damage for future hits)
Bite: Roll 19 (Hit -3hp)
FIGHT 1 - ROUND 3
BILL (Ranger LVL 2 AC 7 HP 1 DAM 1-6)
Sword: 2 (Miss).
BEAR (HD3+3 AC 7 HP 18 DAM 1-1.5,1-1.5,1-6)
Claw 1: Roll 14 (Hit -2hp less 50% = -1hp)
Claw 2: Roll 11 (Miss)
Claw 3: Roll 12 (Miss)
FIGHT 1 - ROUND 4
BILL (Ranger LVL 2 AC 7 HP 0 (Dead) DAM 0)
Sword: N/A
BEAR (HD3+3 AC 7 HP 18 DAM 1-1.5,1-1.5,1-6)
Claw 1: (auto hit -3hp - 50% =-1.5hp)
Claw 2: (auto hit -3hp -50%= -1.5hp
Bite: (auto hit - 5hp)
FIGHT 1 - RESULTS
BILL (Ranger LVL 2 AC 7 HP-8 (dead and mutilated) DAM 0)
BEAR (HD3+3 AC 7 HP 18 DAM 1-3,1-3,1-6)
.............................................
The results of the other two fight simulations were pretty much the same - me dead.
So, thanks guys for clearing that up for me. I'll post my reply in defense of using a sword over fire arms later.
Billy,
After reading your blog I decided for my own amusement to run your potential battle with a adult black bear through a combat model from Dungeons and Dragons. Apologies - I have included some simplified instructions in case you are unfamiliar with the game.
I am guessing your character class would be a Ranger and based on your various adventures and training I would say you might qualify as a Level 2 or "Strider". There was debate over this since to progress to level 2 you need to actually collect treasure and kill monsters to get experience points but since you have had many interesting and challenging adventures in your life this helps to offset those figures.
As a level 2 Ranger this entitles you to two hit dice of up to 8 points each. For simplicity sake lets do an average roll score plus one bonus point for each Hit Die. So this means 4 hit points x 2 hit dice +2 bonus points per die = 12 total hit points. Let’s assume you are probably wearing outdoor work and lumbering clothes (chainsaw helmet, chaps, gloves, layered leather jacket, construction boots) which I believe would be the equivalent of studded leather armour which would give you an armour class of 7. You have indicated on your blog that you have purchased a short sword for such encounter which according to the Official D&D Player's Handbook (Gary Gygax 1977) does damage of 1-6 hit points. As a human you have the ability to do one attack per melee round.
An adult black bear (according to the Official D&D Monster Manual also by Gary Gygax 1978) has the following stats. 3+3 Hit Dice (again - using averages plus 1 - the bear would have 12 base hit points, +3 natural bonus hit points, plus another 3 points per die for grand total of 18 hit points). Armour Class 7. A bear has three attacks per melee round using 2 claw attacks and one bite (claws 1-3, 1-3, and bite 1-6). If the Bear scores an 18 or above on a 20 sided dice when doing an attack chance roll then the Bear successfully has you in an bear hug which does 2-8 additional damage. Keep in mind you roll a 20 out of 20 then that is considered a critical hit and will double your damage. If you roll a 1 that is a critical miss and your weapon will be compromised or broken and will hit at half damage.
I have taken your assumed character stats into consideration (Strength, Dexterity, Intelligence, Wisdom, Constitution, and Charisma). These are ranked from 1-18. 18 is the highest and is reserved for the elite - Conan the Barbarian would have 18 strength, Stephen Hawking would have 18 intelligence, etc). It is unlikely that your stats will fall in the 16-18 range so you will not get any significant bonuses to your attack chances, damage rolls, or health points.
There was also great discussion about other factors which could be determined by the chance roll of the dice. For example- if someone like your Mom could hear the cry of battle or your cries for help, whether she would make it to the scene in time to either assist with the fight or with saving your life, or if an opponent was rendered unconscious what would happen to the body at that point - i.e. would the bear continue to attack or eat your lifeless body or leave the scene to return to protect its young. But it was decided this was too complicated and we just stuck to the battle stats.
When a battle begins normally a dice is rolled to see who gets first attack. Since you have indicated that you have already prepared for such an attack (and taken steps to avoid such an encounter) I believe you should have first strike since it is assumed the bear will be charging you and you will be readying yourself. Using my D&D "attack calculator" you need a score of 13 or higher on a 20 sided dice to hit the bear's AC of 7. The bear will need a 9 or higher to hit your AC of 7. The bear's chances are higher because of its higher hit dice level.
In fairness to both parties 3 different rounds were simulated with the official dice rolls being documented by Mr. James Edward Broadley. I think round 1 offered some unique and unusual dice rolls. Perhaps a few more rounds might offer some more favourable results that what we discovered. My conclusion and recommendation: Buy a gun and get some better bear fighting armour.
LET THE BATTLES BEGIN
FIGHT 1 - ROUND 1
BILL (Ranger LVL 2 AC 7 HP 12 DAM 1-6)
Sword: 12 (miss)
BEAR (HD3+3 AC 7 HP 18 DAM 1-3,1-3,1-6)
Claw 1: roll 13 (Hit - 3hp)
Claw 2: roll 19 (Hit -3hp PLUS Bear Hug Damage: 2 hp)
Bite: roll 7 (Miss)
FIGHT 1 - ROUND 2
BILL (Ranger LVL 2 AC 7 HP 4 DAM 1-6)
Sword attack: roll 8 (Miss)
BEAR (HD3+3 AC 7 HP 18 DAM 1-3,1-3,1-6)
Claw 1: Roll 1 (Critical Miss - Broken Paw - half damage for future hits)
Claw 2: Roll 1 (Another Critical Miss! - Broken Paw - half damage for future hits)
Bite: Roll 19 (Hit -3hp)
FIGHT 1 - ROUND 3
BILL (Ranger LVL 2 AC 7 HP 1 DAM 1-6)
Sword: 2 (Miss).
BEAR (HD3+3 AC 7 HP 18 DAM 1-1.5,1-1.5,1-6)
Claw 1: Roll 14 (Hit -2hp less 50% = -1hp)
Claw 2: Roll 11 (Miss)
Claw 3: Roll 12 (Miss)
FIGHT 1 - ROUND 4
BILL (Ranger LVL 2 AC 7 HP 0 (Dead) DAM 0)
Sword: N/A
BEAR (HD3+3 AC 7 HP 18 DAM 1-1.5,1-1.5,1-6)
Claw 1: (auto hit -3hp - 50% =-1.5hp)
Claw 2: (auto hit -3hp -50%= -1.5hp
Bite: (auto hit - 5hp)
FIGHT 1 - RESULTS
BILL (Ranger LVL 2 AC 7 HP-8 (dead and mutilated) DAM 0)
BEAR (HD3+3 AC 7 HP 18 DAM 1-3,1-3,1-6)
.............................................
The results of the other two fight simulations were pretty much the same - me dead.
So, thanks guys for clearing that up for me. I'll post my reply in defense of using a sword over fire arms later.
Saturday, August 1, 2009
Wood Stove Blues
Guess I shouldn't wait too long between blog posts when reporting that Deerwood is practically crawling with bears.... It is amazing how quickly I've accepted that 'crawling with bears' thing and am willing to walk through the forest at night without a flashlight.
Even yodelling or whistling is often too much of a chore now as I embrace my ultimate fate of going mono e mono with a bear. Having a loud whistle and sharp sword strapped to my back is a comfort, though. My only hope is that I'll be able to blog the tale and thus secure my glory!
Anyhoo, my current struggles are with Deerwood forest management office (FMO) wood stove installation. After half-carrying my Drolet Compak stove to the FMO, I laid out some flat granite on a sand bed and mortared them together a few days ago. This stone pad for the stove stand on. Then it was off to Home Hardware to drop another wad of cash for the chimney parts. See the diagram below for the installation diagram...
Even yodelling or whistling is often too much of a chore now as I embrace my ultimate fate of going mono e mono with a bear. Having a loud whistle and sharp sword strapped to my back is a comfort, though. My only hope is that I'll be able to blog the tale and thus secure my glory!
Anyhoo, my current struggles are with Deerwood forest management office (FMO) wood stove installation. After half-carrying my Drolet Compak stove to the FMO, I laid out some flat granite on a sand bed and mortared them together a few days ago. This stone pad for the stove stand on. Then it was off to Home Hardware to drop another wad of cash for the chimney parts. See the diagram below for the installation diagram...
Installing a cathedral ceiling wood stove chimney.
Not as fun as it looks.
Not as fun as it looks.
Complying with the building code requirements is a juggling act as I try to keep the internal stove pipe away from combustible surfaces. At one mad moment last night I considered covering the entire north wall with 29 guage galvanized sheet metal. The challenges of actually cutting the metal to size and mounting it pulled me back from the edge, though.
As much as I'd like to get the chimney install done and over with, I realize that the tarp over the roof must go. If that's the case, I need to strap the roof with purlins and nail up the cedar shakes just before the chimney inspection in order to reduce the amount of time that the roof is open to the rainy elements. Submit building permit for wood stove, almost finish roof, assemble and install the chimney, get inspected, finish roof. Oh, and because the roof is a steep 18/12 pitch, I have to make my own chimney flashing from sheet metal stock so the roof doesn't leak. Now I'm researching MIG sheet metal welding techniques....
So, next step is getting the cedar shakes up from north Hamilton (Pacific Cedar) on ma's next run down south. That means the FMO will be choked with chimney parts all over the place for the next few months. Hope the holey FMO roof tarp doesn't drip too much between now and then.
As much as I'd like to get the chimney install done and over with, I realize that the tarp over the roof must go. If that's the case, I need to strap the roof with purlins and nail up the cedar shakes just before the chimney inspection in order to reduce the amount of time that the roof is open to the rainy elements. Submit building permit for wood stove, almost finish roof, assemble and install the chimney, get inspected, finish roof. Oh, and because the roof is a steep 18/12 pitch, I have to make my own chimney flashing from sheet metal stock so the roof doesn't leak. Now I'm researching MIG sheet metal welding techniques....
So, next step is getting the cedar shakes up from north Hamilton (Pacific Cedar) on ma's next run down south. That means the FMO will be choked with chimney parts all over the place for the next few months. Hope the holey FMO roof tarp doesn't drip too much between now and then.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Go Easy On the Bears
This morning Ma Pocock bought a hand pump air horn to scare bears away.So, not ten minutes ago I hear Ma storm onto the front deck, clapping her hands, yelling, "You get out of here. Go on!".
I figure it's the deer eating her garden plants again, so I keep on typing.
She comes inside the house and tells me it was only a young bear. It was 20 feet from the house near the two cats, Silly and Smokey. That's just too close for the bear to be to cats, I suppose.
"Why didn't you use the air horn?", I ask.
"I don't want the bear to become accustomed to the horn", she replies.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
MNR: You're On Your Own
Survived the walk through the bear infested dark wood.
While I was at my construction job today, Ma Pocock called the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) to report the undeterred bear of last night.
The MNR won't do anything about it. Apparently, due to the lack of berries this year, over 300 bear complaints have been made in the last two weeks in Parry Sound District.
MNR recommended packing an air horn and bear pepper spray. And wished us good luck.
That and a suggestion to check out an Alberta company selling wildlife control products.
I love the look of this guy with his bear spray.
While I was at my construction job today, Ma Pocock called the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) to report the undeterred bear of last night.
The MNR won't do anything about it. Apparently, due to the lack of berries this year, over 300 bear complaints have been made in the last two weeks in Parry Sound District.
MNR recommended packing an air horn and bear pepper spray. And wished us good luck.
That and a suggestion to check out an Alberta company selling wildlife control products.
I love the look of this guy with his bear spray.Monday, July 20, 2009
Rogue Bear?
I witnessed the three year old bear (?) this evening eating out of one of Ma Pocock's deer feed troughs (40 ft. from the house). I came out onto the deck and shouted at it with arms in the air and it stood its ground and started huffing at me (wanted me to back off). Ma manages to chase the bear off by banging pots together.
Two minutes later, the bear comes back and won't be driven off. The deer feed is inside, but the bear just lurks outside the house. I don't think it's afraid of me.
I cannot be afraid of the bear. If it attacks me, I will kill it.
Here's an informative article about Living With Bears.
Now I read this article - with great interest - as I'm about to visit the Forest Management Office in pitch dark.
Ma Pocock says, "Better take your sword", like wear mittens in the cold.
Two minutes later, the bear comes back and won't be driven off. The deer feed is inside, but the bear just lurks outside the house. I don't think it's afraid of me.
I cannot be afraid of the bear. If it attacks me, I will kill it.
Here's an informative article about Living With Bears.
Now I read this article - with great interest - as I'm about to visit the Forest Management Office in pitch dark.
Ma Pocock says, "Better take your sword", like wear mittens in the cold.
Monday, July 6, 2009
MNR: Bear Wise
The MNR has a pamphlet on what to do in case you encounter a black bear. Here's the ministry's advice...
- If the bear is not paying any attention to you, slowly and quietly back away while watching the bear to make sure it isn't following you
- Do not approach the bear to get a better look
- If the bear obviously knows you are there, raise your arms and let the bear know you are a human. Make yourself look as big as possible. Speak in a firm but non-threatening voice while looking at the bear and backing away
- Watch the bear to gauge its reaction to you. Generally, the noisier the bear is, the less dangerous it is, providing you don't approach the bear. If a bear huffs, pops its jaw/or stomps its paws on the ground, it wants you to back away and give it space
- If a bear closely approaches you, drop any food you are carrying and continue backing up
- If the bear continues to try to approach, stand your ground and be aggressive - use your whistle or air horn, yell, stand tall, wave your arms and throw objects
- If a bear keeps advancing and is getting close, continue to stand your ground. Use your bear spray and anything else to threaten or distract the bear - bears will often first test to see if it is safe to approach you
- Do not run or climb a tree. Bears can run faster and climb better than you
- If the bear makes contact, fight back with everything you have
Kit Guns & Samurai Swords
I started to think about my close encounter with the female bear and her cubs the other day. That was a dangerous situation I was lucky to get out of. And if the big bear decided I was enough of a threat to her cubs, it wouldn't be the first time a bear attacked a human to defend her young.This bear and her unpredictable cubs are here now and I have to deal with this daily reality.
Mentioning to Ma Pocock that the time may have come to "get a gun" just in case, she replied that it was illegal to shoot bears out of season. And live trapping a mother bear is out because the cubs wouldn't likely survive.
"I'm not gonna worry about the legality of shooting a bear when it's coming right at me", said I.
Even one of mom's quilting buddies carries a sidearm into the bush with her - just in case. You don't want to be in the bush wishing, gosh, if only I had something to defend myself right now....
The Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) recommends people in bear country like me should carry a long axe with them in the bush. First of all, a long axe is a big and awkward item to carry everywhere. Second, you've got one chance at best of hitting an attacking bear (on the head, I guess) with a heavy axe. And you better kill it with that one blow, but more likely piss it off even more.
And rifles are awkward to carry and not as good as pistols at close range (charging bear) with sighting problems in dense bush foliage.
So, I figure, if I'd pack a gun it would be a holstered pistol. Remember kids, revolvers are more reliable than clip fed. I even picked up some RCMP pamphlets on courses and such. Of course, if I was in the USA, I'd probably be able to pick one up right away at the country store....
Anyhoo, I thumbed through a back copy of my trusty 'Backwoodsman' magazine and found a nifty article on kit guns.
The pipe included in this photo is a nice touch.(photo and text: 'The Backwoodsman' March/April 2009)
Here's a short passage from The Backwoodsman on kit guns:
For pot shooting, running a trap-line, plinking, and even self-defense while hiking, the sadly discontinued S&W Kit Guns have achieved a cult-like status....But then, I'm not too sure I can trust myself not to shoot human trespassers on sight. So, having a pistol at the ready, is maybe not the best thing.
I remember a report of a rogue bear attack on a boater on Vancouver Island last year. Good Samaritans were stabbing away at the bear mauling the guy to no avail. Then some old sea dog plunged a 12 inch blade into the bear and killed it.
So, I think I'm gonna settle on the short, single edge sword I've got as a forest 'attitude adjuster'. Guess those years of sword fighting instruction may have some practical use after all! A sword can stab and slash quickly. Mine is a good close quarters Japanese-style sword with a one or two hand pummel. After I pick up some army surplus webbing, I'll holster the scabbord on my back as it reaches from waist to head behind the spine so it won't be awkward, or catch branches, and be a swift draw against trouble.
And with some handy-dandy hockey tape wrapping on the handle, I'll have a more frictional grip in case it gets covered in slippery blood.
Now, back to our regular programming....
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Bearwood
Yesterday, after spending a few weeks away from Deerwood, it was nice to get back to some sugar maple milling with my brother-in-law, Scott. He helped me sort through some milling details which will make for much better cutting in the future. Thanks, Scott!
Anyhoo, I took a break from milling to grab a sandwich. As I walked back to the milling area, I surprised a big momma bear with three baby bears at the edge of the clearing. These curious bears were eating insects from a decayed log momma bear had clawed into. The bears, about 20 metres away, looked at me and I at them.
I put my hands up into the air and hollered, "WHHHHOOOOOOO!"
Momma and two of the black bear cubs skedaddled 180 degrees into the forest ridge while the brown cub ran sidelong into some bush.
Seeing as the most dangerous bear is a mother bear with threatened cubs, I decided to backtrack slowly - away from the separated brown cub - and give the bears some space for a while.
Now the official bear count is five in Deerwood: Momma, three cubs, and a two or three year old bear about the size of a large Rottweiler dog. Looks like I'm gonna become a full-time forest yodeller now, boy.
Anyhoo, I took a break from milling to grab a sandwich. As I walked back to the milling area, I surprised a big momma bear with three baby bears at the edge of the clearing. These curious bears were eating insects from a decayed log momma bear had clawed into. The bears, about 20 metres away, looked at me and I at them.
I put my hands up into the air and hollered, "WHHHHOOOOOOO!"
Momma and two of the black bear cubs skedaddled 180 degrees into the forest ridge while the brown cub ran sidelong into some bush.
Seeing as the most dangerous bear is a mother bear with threatened cubs, I decided to backtrack slowly - away from the separated brown cub - and give the bears some space for a while.
Now the official bear count is five in Deerwood: Momma, three cubs, and a two or three year old bear about the size of a large Rottweiler dog. Looks like I'm gonna become a full-time forest yodeller now, boy.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Case of the Missing Feed Bucket
DEERWOOD - This morning between the hours of 5:30 and 6:00 AM a daring deer feed bucket heist was perpetrated by bear(s) unknown.
Shirley Pocock, Deerwood owner, was roused from sleep at approximately 5:30 am by Smokey the Cat who wanted to go outside. When Mrs. Pocock let the cat out, she observed two young deer (Scaredy, well known to locals, and another). Mrs. Pocock filled said white plastic feed bucket (containing dried corn, oats, and sunflower seeds) and left it outside for the deer to eat.
When Mrs. Pocock next looked outside half and hour later the deer and the bucket had disappeared.
"It must have been that damn bear!", remarked Mrs. Pocock. It was determined that the deer would not abscond with the bucket as Mrs. Pocock provides the deer with a bottomless supply of feed from the bucket - as long as she knows where it is. The deer, who know the deal, may be dumb, but they're not stupid. Scaredy, while not a suspect, is wanted for questioning.
A subsequent search of the immediate forest area failed to recover the feed bucket. There was no trail of feed into the forest as it is believed Scaredy & Co. ate the evidence before investigators arrived on the scene.
Shirley Pocock, Deerwood owner, was roused from sleep at approximately 5:30 am by Smokey the Cat who wanted to go outside. When Mrs. Pocock let the cat out, she observed two young deer (Scaredy, well known to locals, and another). Mrs. Pocock filled said white plastic feed bucket (containing dried corn, oats, and sunflower seeds) and left it outside for the deer to eat.
When Mrs. Pocock next looked outside half and hour later the deer and the bucket had disappeared.
"It must have been that damn bear!", remarked Mrs. Pocock. It was determined that the deer would not abscond with the bucket as Mrs. Pocock provides the deer with a bottomless supply of feed from the bucket - as long as she knows where it is. The deer, who know the deal, may be dumb, but they're not stupid. Scaredy, while not a suspect, is wanted for questioning.
A subsequent search of the immediate forest area failed to recover the feed bucket. There was no trail of feed into the forest as it is believed Scaredy & Co. ate the evidence before investigators arrived on the scene.
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Midnight Rambler
Mom said she thought a deer was walking around the house late that night. I didn't pay too much attention, watching my fave TV show, Top Gear. But that couldn't be right - deer around the house late at night.
Around midnight I heard a 'thump' out on the front deck. Right. I bolted for the door and threw on the outside lights.
The bear had turned and started away from the front door. I smashed it open and the screen door as the black rear end boogied off the deck, golden snout swinging back for a look.
"GEEDDOOOTTTAAAAHERRRREEEE!!!!
It wasn't a big bear - maybe three years old - as it tore into the woods. I like bears, I just don't want them getting used to hanging around. Bad for humans and bear in the long run.
Bobo 1, Bear 1.
Friday, June 5, 2009
Bear - Paw Print and Scat
I was clearing trail in the middle of Deerwood yesterday and came across another bear scat and a paw print this time.
Bear paw pint (outlined in white) and bear scat (right) in Deerwood.
The print (rear paw?) was about the size of my hand (7" x 4"). That's bigger than the partial prints on the door. Though if it's the same bear, the front paws would be smaller than the back paws...I think....
If anyone of both my blog readers knows of a chart to match the size of a bear paw print to the size of the bear, um, please let me know.
Bear paw pint (outlined in white) and bear scat (right) in Deerwood.If anyone of both my blog readers knows of a chart to match the size of a bear paw print to the size of the bear, um, please let me know.
Monday, June 1, 2009
Whos's That a Knockin'?
Boy, you leave the forest for a couple of days and everything goes krazy.
When I was away mom tells me that a bear visited her house late night and pressed it's paws up against a couple doors.
Guess the bear didn't know the secret password. So it decided to tear apart a bag full of weeds. Must be some kinda...weed fiend.
I don't think it's that big by the size of the prints. Nothing to be worried about.
Right?
When I was away mom tells me that a bear visited her house late night and pressed it's paws up against a couple doors.
Guess the bear didn't know the secret password. So it decided to tear apart a bag full of weeds. Must be some kinda...weed fiend.
I don't think it's that big by the size of the prints. Nothing to be worried about.
Right?
Monday, May 25, 2009
Bear Country
People who live in bear country - the provincial park is named 'Killbear' - develop different personal sound systems to alert any nearby bears of their approach. Such people think that if the bear knows you're close, the nice, little bear will stay away. There's bear bells, whistling, singing - until recently I would argue with myself aloud and often lose. But now I yodel. The sort of yodelling you'd recognize from old Saturday morning TV cartoons as they taught me everything I know, apparently.
Well, I was walking along a southern Deerwood trail and, as I approached a blackberry thicket, I started a-yodelling. Bears love blackberries.
And I almost stepped in the biggest bear scat I've ever seen.
Big bear scat.
"I didn't know we had Grizz in this neck of the woods...". I blurted between yodels. I was even yodelling while I took this picture of fresh bear sample. You see, the more bear nervous I get, the louder and the faster I yodel.
I made it out of the blackberry thicket, but I laughed, imagining the last thing someone would see of me one day. "The bear was chasing him through the woods and for some reason he was yodelling at the top of his lungs".
Well, I was walking along a southern Deerwood trail and, as I approached a blackberry thicket, I started a-yodelling. Bears love blackberries.
And I almost stepped in the biggest bear scat I've ever seen.
Big bear scat."I didn't know we had Grizz in this neck of the woods...". I blurted between yodels. I was even yodelling while I took this picture of fresh bear sample. You see, the more bear nervous I get, the louder and the faster I yodel.
I made it out of the blackberry thicket, but I laughed, imagining the last thing someone would see of me one day. "The bear was chasing him through the woods and for some reason he was yodelling at the top of his lungs".
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Bear!
I was a-walkin' out to the wood shed to drain the wood splitter oil when suddenly...
... movement off to the left caught my eye. Over the crest of a small forest hill near the deer feeding troughs, a blur of black bear rug loped off away from me..and toward the office.
'Gettoottaheeeerrree!' I yaulped half-heartedly as it was already moving off. While I only got a view of the butt-end, I think it was a young bear. The last bear I saw around the shed was last fall when I was triming saplings. It was a two year old bear crossing the driveway behind me on the way to the deer troughs. Cute thing that moved like a rotweiller. They don't stay cute for long.
Mom has also seen a young bear - not a cub - coming by to eat the corn, oats, and sunflower seeds left for the deer regulars. The deer tend to disappear for days when other large animals decide to tuck into the free chow. A few weeks ago it was a coyote. Though, the coyote was interested in chowing on deer no doubt.
Hey, the more bear the better, I just want to scare them away from the house area as I don't want any bears to turn surly rogue like dump bears who think they own the joint. Then the ministry would have to live trap them and haul them away. Then there's always the chance that one of the neighbours shoots a curious bear used to humans. Would not be the first time.
Often the mother bears are shot or hit by cars and young bears must fend for themselves. Whenever this happens to any animal, I resist the temptation to feel sorry for it as it's the way of things I guess.
... movement off to the left caught my eye. Over the crest of a small forest hill near the deer feeding troughs, a blur of black bear rug loped off away from me..and toward the office.
'Gettoottaheeeerrree!' I yaulped half-heartedly as it was already moving off. While I only got a view of the butt-end, I think it was a young bear. The last bear I saw around the shed was last fall when I was triming saplings. It was a two year old bear crossing the driveway behind me on the way to the deer troughs. Cute thing that moved like a rotweiller. They don't stay cute for long.
Mom has also seen a young bear - not a cub - coming by to eat the corn, oats, and sunflower seeds left for the deer regulars. The deer tend to disappear for days when other large animals decide to tuck into the free chow. A few weeks ago it was a coyote. Though, the coyote was interested in chowing on deer no doubt.
Hey, the more bear the better, I just want to scare them away from the house area as I don't want any bears to turn surly rogue like dump bears who think they own the joint. Then the ministry would have to live trap them and haul them away. Then there's always the chance that one of the neighbours shoots a curious bear used to humans. Would not be the first time.
Often the mother bears are shot or hit by cars and young bears must fend for themselves. Whenever this happens to any animal, I resist the temptation to feel sorry for it as it's the way of things I guess.
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