VISIT FROM THE NEIGHBORHOOD BEAR

Important note: NEVER approach a bear or any other wild animal. We have removed all bird feeders from our yard to discourage the bear from staying in the neighborhood. This is more for his protection than the protection of humans since black bears are basically shy creatures. However, the more comfortable they become with humans, the more chances there are of encounters and misunderstandings between bears and humans.

If you have a foraging bear in your area, remove all outside pet food and bird feeders and make sure your garbage cans are covered tightly and "bear proof." Never allow your pet dogs to chase a bear. Respect this magnificent creature. We are, after all, in THEIR territory.

Let's work to live in harmony with the wildlife of beautiful Western North Carolina!

Click on the thumbnails below to see larger image. Our photo quality is terrible because we were shooting with long exposures, no tripod, through a window and the bear kept moving! Homer got the great shot of the bear coming up on the porch.