Saw a bear tonight while on the scoot

[wakeupmaggie]

I just got back from a ride through the Great Swamp Wildlife Preserve in NJ and while worrying about running deer crossing in front of me, what do I see?

I see a big black bear on the side of the road.  I slowed down and then decided not to stop until I got a little past him in case he tried to make friends with me.  I watched him until he ambled back into the woods.

It's the first bear I've seen in the wild so close to where I live.

Nice ride tonight. 

[blue]

Nice call he would of had you and the scoot for dinner.

[Stig / Major Tom]

You saw a beer on your scooter?!
Cool beans!
Today I saw 4 female joggers and most of a Reese's Cup, but I didn't stop.
Small world...
Stig

[Mscmkr]

Stig, how do you finish a Reese's cup while watching 4 female joggers? My mouth would have been wide open and little bits of drool would have been coming out.

And very cool sighting with the bear. I say a bear from the road on a trip up north here a few years ago and it was a really amazing moment. That must have made for a pretty great day.


    Ride safe, mscmkr

[zombie]

We have 2500 people, and an estimated 200 bears in Carrabelle. It's very cool to see them but it is unnerving when they see you.

Most of us use ammonia spilled around the trash cans to deter them but some bears just don't care or will haul the whole can off into the woods.

http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=carrabelle+black+bear

[wakeupmaggie]

Bears are a common sight in Northern NJ where they've always been but are having less and less space to roam due to property development.

Funny thing is, I spent a few days in Northern NJ near the Appalachian Trail last week and did not see a bear.  I had to come home to see one.  I wish I'd had time to get a photo.

The bears are wandering further and further away from their natural habitat looking for food.  This bear looked very healthy so he must be finding something to eat in the swamp.  Fish and plants are plentiful there.

[LoveMyKymco]

Whodathunkit, a bear in Fla. Too crazy.

[zombie]

They are considered a nuisance here. Fortunately they are protected. One of the City Council members here shot one w/ a bow about two years ago. 90 days served, and 5 years probation. Plus he lost his hunting/fishing Lisc. for life.

If/when they are deemed a "danger" they are trapped in Culvert type traps, and relocated to the National forest.

Within a week , and without fail they ALWAYS return to where they were trapped. It's just another example of revolving door justice.

[wakeupmaggie]

They are considered a nuisance here. Fortunately they are protected. One of the City Council members here shot one w/ a bow about two years ago. 90 days served, and 5 years probation. Plus he lost his hunting/fishing Lisc. for life.

If/when they are deemed a "danger" they are trapped in Culvert type traps, and relocated to the National forest.

Within a week , and without fail they ALWAYS return to where they were trapped. It's just another example of revolving door justice.

Bears are protected here too.  However, they do have a bear hunt every year and the folks who built houses in their (the bears') territory put up a stink about the hunt every year.  Go figure.

[zombie]

That's mainly my point in replying... The bears were here first.
I think WE are the nuisance.

It's a White people thing. Born in America but I will NEVER claim myself as American.

[houndguy]

I had an eagle sloop low once and I swear to this day he thought I was a rabbit. 

Always cool to see something unexpected.

[LidoCA]

The bears here come down from the mountains. They swim in peoples pools and dig through trash cans. I've never seen one riding a scooter, though.

[LidoCA]

The bears here come down from the mountains. They swim in peoples pools and dig through trash cans. I've never seen one riding a scooter, though.

OK, that was a bad joke. It is pretty cool to see wildlife when you are riding. I ride mostly in city streets. Last week I was riding the hills and saw a deer and a coyote during day. I was told that is common for that area.
 As long as the bears and the mountain lions keep their distance, I'm good.

[zombie]

You notice it's a Dio...

[blue]

The most we see here are deer and turkeys