The Bear

We live in bear country. We moved into his territory, not the other way around. Or is it? We've had a bear hanging out here this summer leaving his muddy paw prints on the siding below the windows, stealing my bags of cocoa shell mulch (yes, they smell like chocolate, and no I wasn't thinking) and generally leaving us alone during daylight hours. We don't feed the birds in the summer. There is plenty for them to eat in the forest. The hummingbirds scold me every day for taking down the hummingbird food that they love. But we really don't want to invite the bears to feel comfortable here. Our hope is that we can live somewhat peacefully together. The night is another story altogether...and then he started showing up in the early evening hours.

Unfortunately, the bear breached that unspoken contract by getting a little too close for comfort. He came to the patio door with only the screen separating us. My poor little kitty snarled at the bear and the bear snarled back and I yelled and luckily he ran into the woods. I GOT THE WHOLE THING ON VIDEO. Based on the video and the evidence, the DNR has determined that this bear needs to be removed. This brings me to my next point.

Do we live in his home or does he live in ours? He is comfortable enough that he walks up to my door! He looks in our windows. What is he looking for? What does he want? My thoughts are that he is driven by instinct. He wants food, water and shelter when he needs it. I need to feel safe. I just wish I knew what he was looking for. I'm sorry bear.