Black Bear Issue: How Big a Problem? (1 Viewer)

[pollardsvision]

My FIL lives on about 30 acres, 20 of which are wooded. He's lived there 8 years and never seen a bear.

Out visiting last night, and the 5 dogs in town were luckily inside when they went ape #### seeing a black bear in the back yard.

He came to within 25 feet of the back door. This is him walking away.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/40611072@N05/14512917466/

FIL fired off a few rounds after the bear was out of view, hoping that would scare the bear out of the area.

FIL feeds his dogs outside and just leaves the food a shed (just to the right of the porch in that pic). I mentioned he might want to bring food in the house. He didn't seem too concerned and didn't want to bother with that if he didn't have to.

Sure enough, checked the shed this morning. A just opened 50 lb. bag of dog food had completely vanished. No mess, no food scattered, no sign of part of the bag itself. Bear carried the whole damn thing off. He left a 2nd unopened bag there, which I have little doubt he'll be back for shortly.

So, we know the bear has visited twice within a 24 hour period, and was rewarded handsomely for his troubles. We don't know for sure if the bear took the dog food before or after the sighting and gunshot, but it was likely after, so the gunshot didn't bother the bear much.

Oh, he's having his annual 4th of July party Friday. There will be at least 60 people, half a dozen dogs (including my own), lots of children, and of course, a #### load of food. My FIL didn't seem in a rush to cease all outdoor feeding, so I assume between now and then, that bear will have scored himself another 50 lb. bag of dog food.

Personally, I think it's already "shoot on sight" time with the bear, and if/when he scores a 2nd bag, it absolutely will be.

Speaking of the 4th of July party, as always, I'm smoking the BBQ for it. Normally, that means throwing a bunch of pork on the night before and tending the smoker periodically throughout the night.

A note about the party, one thing that will help for that day is there will be a few hours of skeet shooting before most of the guests arrive and any food is served. The bear wasn't bothered by one pistol shot, but hours of shotgun blasts echoing through hills should likely keep him away. That is, until it's time to come looking for food after everyone goes to sleep.

So, a couple of questions...

I'm not freaking out too much about this bear right? It's already a pretty significant problem, right? With a chance to be a major one soon?

Setting that 2nd bag out in the back yard, and waiting with an assault rifle? Good idea or bad idea?

Bears and Dogs?

My dog does like to chase. I think he's smart enough to stop before he gets to close to a ####### bear, but he's a dumb dog, so I have no idea. He was dying to go after that bear seeing him through the door. If this happens outside, will the bear run? Or is my dog pretty much dead if he sees him?

The BBQ?

When checking on the smoker, what should be my weapon of choice? A rifle, a high-powered pistol, or a shotgun?

 

[RustyFA4]

I don't think you are overreacting. I would contact your local police and dnr though. Killing the bear May or may not be legal. That said if it was me I would kill it as soon as I could. I don't like killing anything but the chance for the bear to kill a dog or worse is pretty high. Perhaps you could have bear meat next 4th of July.

 

[MC Gas Money]

How about fencing off an area for you and your dogs to use?

Black bears arent very aggresive so I wouldnt lose my head over it, just secure an area so you can relax

 

[Maurile Tremblay]

Isn't this topic a bit racist?

 

[Dinsy Ejotuz]

Call the Virginia DNR.

Not sure if it's true for barn invasions, but bears that kill livestock or get into a house will be captured and relocated. A lot of them come back and have to be killed but that's not usually the first step IIRC.

 

[pollardsvision]

How about fencing off an area for you and your dogs to use?

Black bears arent very aggresive so I wouldnt lose my head over it, just secure an area so you can relax

That's not possible for the 4th, and he wouldn't do it anyway.

I'm not out there very often. He's got two dogs, but both are old and probably wouldn't care enough to chase.

It's been a survival of the fittest situation with dogs out there anyway. It's been the last resort for family and friends that couldn't keep a dog for whatever reason. The survival rate is about 60%.

He likes his dogs and treats them well, but if they can't make it in the country, he just gets a new dog. He wouldn't build a fence.

 

[matuski]

Now imagine the bear was white.

 

[pollardsvision]

Now imagine the bear was white.

I prefer my twinks white and my bears black.

 

[MC Gas Money]

How about fencing off an area for you and your dogs to use?

Black bears arent very aggresive so I wouldnt lose my head over it, just secure an area so you can relax

That's not possible for the 4th, and he wouldn't do it anyway.

I'm not out there very often. He's got two dogs, but both are old and probably wouldn't care enough to chase.

It's been a survival of the fittest situation with dogs out there anyway. It's been the last resort for family and friends that couldn't keep a dog for whatever reason. The survival rate is about 60%.

He likes his dogs and treats them well, but if they can't make it in the country, he just gets a new dog. He wouldn't build a fence.

A perimeter of bonfires should keep him away but I would think he would ve scared of all the people and noise if hes thowing a party on the 4th

 

[Fennis]

how was season four of weeds?

 

[Mister CIA]

Bring lots of beer.

 

[Flying V]

I'm not freaking out too much about this bear right? It's already a pretty significant problem, right? With a chance to be a major one soon?

Yes, you are. Living with bears for neighbors just requires a change of habits. No leaving food or garbage where a bear ban get to it.

Setting that 2nd bag out in the back yard, and waiting with an assault rifle? Good idea or bad idea?

Good way to get arrested.

Bears and Dogs?

My dog does like to chase. I think he's smart enough to stop before he gets to close to a ####### bear, but he's a dumb dog, so I have no idea. He was dying to go after that bear seeing him through the door. If this happens outside, will the bear run? Or is my dog pretty much dead if he sees him?

Dog will learn quick not to mess with bear. Probably without any major injuries.

The BBQ?

When checking on the smoker, what should be my weapon of choice? A rifle, a high-powered pistol, or a shotgun?

Better set up BBQ in a garage or shed. That's going to be tough to guard otherwise.

 

[jon_mx]

Isn't this topic a bit racist?

And they were saying you had no sense if humor.

 

[STEADYMOBBIN 22]

How is he going to get arrested on the same 30 acres where they'll be out shooting skeet for hours on end?

 

[Flying V]

How is he going to get arrested on the same 30 acres where they'll be out shooting skeet for hours on end?

I guess that depends on how good he is at disposing of a bear carcass.

 

[MC Gas Money]

How is he going to get arrested on the same 30 acres where they'll be out shooting skeet for hours on end?

They film bukkake in the woods?

 

[pollardsvision]

I'm not freaking out too much about this bear right? It's already a pretty significant problem, right? With a chance to be a major one soon?

Yes, you are. Living with bears for neighbors just requires a change of habits. No leaving food or garbage where a bear ban get to it.

Setting that 2nd bag out in the back yard, and waiting with an assault rifle? Good idea or bad idea?

Good way to get arrested.

Bears and Dogs?

My dog does like to chase. I think he's smart enough to stop before he gets to close to a ####### bear, but he's a dumb dog, so I have no idea. He was dying to go after that bear seeing him through the door. If this happens outside, will the bear run? Or is my dog pretty much dead if he sees him?

Dog will learn quick not to mess with bear. Probably without any major injuries.

The BBQ?

When checking on the smoker, what should be my weapon of choice? A rifle, a high-powered pistol, or a shotgun?

Better set up BBQ in a garage or shed. That's going to be tough to guard otherwise.

On the shooting issue, I do want to make clear (in case the game warden is following this thread) that that was a joke. It's not my property, and I wouldn't be the one making any decision on shooting anything. My FIL would not shoot the bear. He was excited to finally see one.

Out of curiosity though, how many times does a bear have to come into your backyard or shed before you can shoot it? Is it really illegal to shoot a violent predator that's 25 feet away? I realize going out of your way to lure it in is over the line.

And if is illegal to shoot a black bear trying to rob you again, couldn't I just say I thought it was a black man and be fine? That seems to be fine in many states.

 

[NutterButter]

I'm not freaking out too much about this bear right? It's already a pretty significant problem, right? With a chance to be a major one soon?

Yes, you are. Living with bears for neighbors just requires a change of habits. No leaving food or garbage where a bear ban get to it.

Setting that 2nd bag out in the back yard, and waiting with an assault rifle? Good idea or bad idea?

Good way to get arrested.

Bears and Dogs?

My dog does like to chase. I think he's smart enough to stop before he gets to close to a ####### bear, but he's a dumb dog, so I have no idea. He was dying to go after that bear seeing him through the door. If this happens outside, will the bear run? Or is my dog pretty much dead if he sees him?

Dog will learn quick not to mess with bear. Probably without any major injuries.

The BBQ?

When checking on the smoker, what should be my weapon of choice? A rifle, a high-powered pistol, or a shotgun?

Better set up BBQ in a garage or shed. That's going to be tough to guard otherwise.

On the shooting issue, I do want to make clear (in case the game warden is following this thread) that that was a joke. It's not my property, and I wouldn't be the one making any decision on shooting anything. My FIL would not shoot the bear. He was excited to finally see one.

Out of curiosity though, how many times does a bear have to come into your backyard or shed before you can shoot it? Is it really illegal to shoot a violent predator that's 25 feet away? I realize going out of your way to lure it in is over the line.

I'm not sure its considered a violent predator especially when just yelling at it typically scares it away. We have lots of them in northern NJ.

 

[Flying V]

I'm not freaking out too much about this bear right? It's already a pretty significant problem, right? With a chance to be a major one soon?

Yes, you are. Living with bears for neighbors just requires a change of habits. No leaving food or garbage where a bear ban get to it.

Setting that 2nd bag out in the back yard, and waiting with an assault rifle? Good idea or bad idea?

Good way to get arrested.

Bears and Dogs?

My dog does like to chase. I think he's smart enough to stop before he gets to close to a ####### bear, but he's a dumb dog, so I have no idea. He was dying to go after that bear seeing him through the door. If this happens outside, will the bear run? Or is my dog pretty much dead if he sees him?

Dog will learn quick not to mess with bear. Probably without any major injuries.

The BBQ?

When checking on the smoker, what should be my weapon of choice? A rifle, a high-powered pistol, or a shotgun?

Better set up BBQ in a garage or shed. That's going to be tough to guard otherwise.

On the shooting issue, I do want to make clear (in case the game warden is following this thread) that that was a joke. It's not my property, and I wouldn't be the one making any decision on shooting anything. My FIL would not shoot the bear. He was excited to finally see one.

Out of curiosity though, how many times does a bear have to come into your backyard or shed before you can shoot it? Is it really illegal to shoot a violent predator that's 25 feet away? I realize going out of your way to lure it in is over the line.

If you shoot a bear without first notifying the game warden that you have a problem bear on your hands, you're making a lot of trouble for yourself.

And if is illegal to shoot a black bear trying to rob you again, couldn't I just say I thought it was a black man and be fine?

My father was black.

 

[KingPrawn]

Why do people chose to live in the woods if they don't like the wildlife?

 

[pollardsvision]

Why do people chose to live in the woods if they don't like the wildlife?

I don't live there. FIL does. He loves woods and wildlife. He's not very concerned. Though, he's not the one that's going to be fiddling with the smoker in the middle of the night either.

I'm trying to gauge whether or not I should be concerned, or if I'm just being a #####. I realize the latter is a good possibility.

 

[krista4]

I'm not freaking out too much about this bear right? It's already a pretty significant problem, right? With a chance to be a major one soon?

Yes, you are. Living with bears for neighbors just requires a change of habits. No leaving food or garbage where a bear ban get to it.

Setting that 2nd bag out in the back yard, and waiting with an assault rifle? Good idea or bad idea?

Good way to get arrested.

Bears and Dogs?

My dog does like to chase. I think he's smart enough to stop before he gets to close to a ####### bear, but he's a dumb dog, so I have no idea. He was dying to go after that bear seeing him through the door. If this happens outside, will the bear run? Or is my dog pretty much dead if he sees him?

Dog will learn quick not to mess with bear. Probably without any major injuries.

The BBQ?

When checking on the smoker, what should be my weapon of choice? A rifle, a high-powered pistol, or a shotgun?

Better set up BBQ in a garage or shed. That's going to be tough to guard otherwise.

On the shooting issue, I do want to make clear (in case the game warden is following this thread) that that was a joke. It's not my property, and I wouldn't be the one making any decision on shooting anything. My FIL would not shoot the bear. He was excited to finally see one.

Out of curiosity though, how many times does a bear have to come into your backyard or shed before you can shoot it? Is it really illegal to shoot a violent predator that's 25 feet away? I realize going out of your way to lure it in is over the line.

I'm not sure its considered a violent predator especially when just yelling at it typically scares it away. We have lots of them in northern NJ.

Black bears are most assuredly NOT considered violent predators.

 

[NutterButter]

I'm not freaking out too much about this bear right? It's already a pretty significant problem, right? With a chance to be a major one soon?

Yes, you are. Living with bears for neighbors just requires a change of habits. No leaving food or garbage where a bear ban get to it.

Setting that 2nd bag out in the back yard, and waiting with an assault rifle? Good idea or bad idea?

Good way to get arrested.

Bears and Dogs?

My dog does like to chase. I think he's smart enough to stop before he gets to close to a ####### bear, but he's a dumb dog, so I have no idea. He was dying to go after that bear seeing him through the door. If this happens outside, will the bear run? Or is my dog pretty much dead if he sees him?

Dog will learn quick not to mess with bear. Probably without any major injuries.

The BBQ?

When checking on the smoker, what should be my weapon of choice? A rifle, a high-powered pistol, or a shotgun?

Better set up BBQ in a garage or shed. That's going to be tough to guard otherwise.

On the shooting issue, I do want to make clear (in case the game warden is following this thread) that that was a joke. It's not my property, and I wouldn't be the one making any decision on shooting anything. My FIL would not shoot the bear. He was excited to finally see one.

Out of curiosity though, how many times does a bear have to come into your backyard or shed before you can shoot it? Is it really illegal to shoot a violent predator that's 25 feet away? I realize going out of your way to lure it in is over the line.

I'm not sure its considered a violent predator especially when just yelling at it typically scares it away. We have lots of them in northern NJ.

Black bears are most assuredly NOT considered violent predators.

I certainly don't think so but I didn't know the official classification. I've come across numerous while hiking and mountain biking. The are almost unnaturally chill. They could tear you apart if they chose to but all you need to do is yell at them and they just go walking away. Its quite a sight.

 

[pollardsvision]

I'm not freaking out too much about this bear right? It's already a pretty significant problem, right? With a chance to be a major one soon?

Yes, you are. Living with bears for neighbors just requires a change of habits. No leaving food or garbage where a bear ban get to it.

Setting that 2nd bag out in the back yard, and waiting with an assault rifle? Good idea or bad idea?

Good way to get arrested.

Bears and Dogs?

My dog does like to chase. I think he's smart enough to stop before he gets to close to a ####### bear, but he's a dumb dog, so I have no idea. He was dying to go after that bear seeing him through the door. If this happens outside, will the bear run? Or is my dog pretty much dead if he sees him?

Dog will learn quick not to mess with bear. Probably without any major injuries.

The BBQ?

When checking on the smoker, what should be my weapon of choice? A rifle, a high-powered pistol, or a shotgun?

Better set up BBQ in a garage or shed. That's going to be tough to guard otherwise.

On the shooting issue, I do want to make clear (in case the game warden is following this thread) that that was a joke. It's not my property, and I wouldn't be the one making any decision on shooting anything. My FIL would not shoot the bear. He was excited to finally see one.

Out of curiosity though, how many times does a bear have to come into your backyard or shed before you can shoot it? Is it really illegal to shoot a violent predator that's 25 feet away? I realize going out of your way to lure it in is over the line.

If you shoot a bear without first notifying the game warden that you have a problem bear on your hands, you're making a lot of trouble for yourself.

And if is illegal to shoot a black bear trying to rob you again, couldn't I just say I thought it was a black man and be fine?

My father was black.

Gotcha. I've seen enough crime shows to know to handle it from here, I think.

 

[AcerFC]

There are bears at my in laws and they dont live in the woods. Im not sure its as big of an issue as you are making it out to be.

 

[Mile High]

If you're going to keep leaving food out he will keep coming back. Contact the proper authorities and let them help you in securing the food and dealing with the bear.

 

[KingPrawn]

Why do people chose to live in the woods if they don't like the wildlife?

I don't live there. FIL does. He loves woods and wildlife. He's not very concerned. Though, he's not the one that's going to be fiddling with the smoker in the middle of the night either.

I'm trying to gauge whether or not I should be concerned, or if I'm just being a #####. I realize the latter is a good possibility.

The bolded.Chances are the black bear is more scared of you then you are of him. Then again, maybe he's not a #####

 

[Flying V]

I'm not freaking out too much about this bear right? It's already a pretty significant problem, right? With a chance to be a major one soon?

Yes, you are. Living with bears for neighbors just requires a change of habits. No leaving food or garbage where a bear ban get to it.

Setting that 2nd bag out in the back yard, and waiting with an assault rifle? Good idea or bad idea?

Good way to get arrested.

Bears and Dogs?

My dog does like to chase. I think he's smart enough to stop before he gets to close to a ####### bear, but he's a dumb dog, so I have no idea. He was dying to go after that bear seeing him through the door. If this happens outside, will the bear run? Or is my dog pretty much dead if he sees him?

Dog will learn quick not to mess with bear. Probably without any major injuries.

The BBQ?

When checking on the smoker, what should be my weapon of choice? A rifle, a high-powered pistol, or a shotgun?

Better set up BBQ in a garage or shed. That's going to be tough to guard otherwise.

On the shooting issue, I do want to make clear (in case the game warden is following this thread) that that was a joke. It's not my property, and I wouldn't be the one making any decision on shooting anything. My FIL would not shoot the bear. He was excited to finally see one.

Out of curiosity though, how many times does a bear have to come into your backyard or shed before you can shoot it? Is it really illegal to shoot a violent predator that's 25 feet away? I realize going out of your way to lure it in is over the line.

If you shoot a bear without first notifying the game warden that you have a problem bear on your hands, you're making a lot of trouble for yourself.

And if is illegal to shoot a black bear trying to rob you again, couldn't I just say I thought it was a black man and be fine?

My father was black.

Gotcha. I've seen enough crime shows to know to handle it from here, I think.

BTW, my father wasn't really black. I just throw that out there sometimes.

 

[NutterButter]

One time when mountain biking I run into a mamma and 4 cubs. I'm about 20 yards away. This is a situation where you need to be a bit more concerned. All 5 of them just take off. The momma in one direction, 2 cubs up one tree and 2 up another. All I see are these cubs about 30 feet in the air just poking their heads out from behind the trees. I wish I had a nice camera to capture that scene. I decided to head back in the direction I came for fear off coming across a protective mamma looking for her cubs.

 

[krista4]

I'm not freaking out too much about this bear right? It's already a pretty significant problem, right? With a chance to be a major one soon?

Yes, you are. Living with bears for neighbors just requires a change of habits. No leaving food or garbage where a bear ban get to it.

Setting that 2nd bag out in the back yard, and waiting with an assault rifle? Good idea or bad idea?

Good way to get arrested.

Bears and Dogs?

My dog does like to chase. I think he's smart enough to stop before he gets to close to a ####### bear, but he's a dumb dog, so I have no idea. He was dying to go after that bear seeing him through the door. If this happens outside, will the bear run? Or is my dog pretty much dead if he sees him?

Dog will learn quick not to mess with bear. Probably without any major injuries.

The BBQ?

When checking on the smoker, what should be my weapon of choice? A rifle, a high-powered pistol, or a shotgun?

Better set up BBQ in a garage or shed. That's going to be tough to guard otherwise.

On the shooting issue, I do want to make clear (in case the game warden is following this thread) that that was a joke. It's not my property, and I wouldn't be the one making any decision on shooting anything. My FIL would not shoot the bear. He was excited to finally see one.

Out of curiosity though, how many times does a bear have to come into your backyard or shed before you can shoot it? Is it really illegal to shoot a violent predator that's 25 feet away? I realize going out of your way to lure it in is over the line.

I'm not sure its considered a violent predator especially when just yelling at it typically scares it away. We have lots of them in northern NJ.

Black bears are most assuredly NOT considered violent predators.

I certainly don't think so but I didn't know the official classification. I've come across numerous while hiking and mountain biking. The are almost unnaturally chill. They could tear you apart if they chose to but all you need to do is yell at them and they just go walking away. Its quite a sight.

Exactly. They're all over the trails we hike in Washington. Basically you just don't want to surprise them, which is when they could cause a problem because they see you as a threat (but not because they are naturally predatory). That's why when hiking these areas it's recommended to talk, sing, make noise so you don't come around a corner and startle them. When they do see you, they are likely to be much more fearful of you than you of them (though younger bears can sometimes be curious and want to find out more of what you're about), and they will run away.

Regarding the recommendations to have fish&game or wildlife wardens handle, definitely, but they aren't going to do much to help until the OP's FIL has done everything he needs to do--that is, getting rid of the outside food sources. If the bear is a "problem" after that (I don't think it would be classified as a problem right now), then they might help in relocating it.

 

[JaxBill]

There are bears at my in laws and they dont live in the woods. Im not sure its as big of an issue as you are making it out to be.

Well where do the bears live then? An where do they #### ?

 

[Officer Pete Malloy]

What kind of bear is best?

 

[chet]

I'd keep a very close watch on my kids for that BBQ.

 

[KingPrawn]

Hey Boo Boo, let’s go get us a pic-a-nic basket

 

[matuski]

I'd keep a very close watch on my kids for that BBQ.

Rub salmon filets all over their faces to deter bears.

 

[TLEF316]

What kind of bear is best?

Well there are 2 different theories....

 

[TLEF316]

My 85 lb grandma used to chase black bears away from the bird feeder with a broom.

You obviously don't want them staking the house out as a buffet, but they're really not that dangerous

 

[JetMaxx]

If you're going to keep leaving food out he will keep coming back. Contact the proper authorities and let them help you in securing the food and dealing with the bear.

Best way to get rid of the bear is eliminate the food source. The bear won't visit the BBQ because of the human commotion but will clean up later if you don't after humans are gone. If you choose to shoot the bear, be prepared for a lot of trouble and interrogation from the DNR. A heavy fine will result if the shooter can't prove he was in life threatening danger.

 

[Ned]

way over reacting.

Gecko is still giving terrible advice in long winded posts.

DO NOT SHOOT THE BEAR. If the DNR gets wind of that happening, you're in deep ####. Just do as others have said - don't keep unattended food outside. I wouldn't sweat the BBQ at all.

Don't leave the dogs outside on a chain.

 

[MC Gas Money]

Who is leaving slabd of meat and chicken carcasses strewn about their backyard the night after a BBQ?

 

[Guest]

Don't shoot the bear. It doesn't sound like the FIL minds having one around.

Shotgun slug BTW.

 

[JetMaxx]

The BBQ?

When checking on the smoker, what should be my weapon of choice? A rifle, a high-powered pistol, or a shotgun?

Something to consider is that animals will generally have a hyper sensitive sense of smell compared to humans. If you've been handling pork all day, that's exactly what you will smell like to a black bear. Generally speaking, anything you try to do to conceal the smell of smoking meat, the way you are talking, will pretty much be impossible.

When hunting a bear or other large game, something to consider is shot placement is often more critical than raw stopping power, though a minimum of stopping power is ideal. I would venture no less than a 308 or 30/06. With a pistol as a backup and I would not try to confront the bear alone, not without another armed person.

Odds are, if you want to "stop" the bear, if it keeps raiding you, you will have to go out and get it. Doesn't sound like you've hunted game before or big game. Odds are you don't know how to track, set up a bait barrel or how to stalk game in general.

I would contact your local authorities. Again, you should be in compliance with the laws in your area. If it comes down to a pure hunt, I would hire someone with experience. If you think Warren Sapp had short area speed, you've never seen a bear haul it's gears when it wants to move somewhere fast.

If you think your angry bear will come charging for your pork first, you are wrong. If given a choice, the bear will gladly chew on your garlic bread on your picnic table before going for your BBQ. Last thing you want is your kids running around carrying around a plate full of cake.

If you are desperate and have no other choice, shoot for the lungs. Every other shot is more complicated and probably beyond your current skill set. A solid lung shot will bring a bear down. If you wound a bear and it's down but not dead, don't play around, shoot it in the back of the neck at a distance or keep range and let it die. I'm not all for letting a wounded animal suffer, but a wounded bear is no joke, esp to someone not accustomed to hunting them.

Just saved me a lot of keystrokes.

The BBQ?

When checking on the smoker, what should be my weapon of choice? A rifle, a high-powered pistol, or a shotgun?

When hunting a bear or other large game, something to consider is shot placement is often more critical than raw stopping power, though a minimum of stopping power is ideal. I would venture no less than a 308 or 30/06. With a pistol as a backup and I would not try to confront the bear alone, not without another armed person.

If you are desperate and have no other choice, shoot for the lungs. Every other shot is more complicated and probably beyond your current skill set. A solid lung shot will bring a bear down. If you wound a bear and it's down but not dead, don't play around, shoot it in the back of the neck at a distance or keep range and let it die. I'm not all for letting a wounded animal suffer, but a wounded bear is no joke, esp to someone not accustomed to hunting them.

I'm rather impressed with your country boy insight. Didn't expect it. One exception, a scoped and sighted crossbow with a sharp broadhead with a properly placed lung shot will sufficiently solve the issue albeit with a bit of a death run post shot. No need for noisy high power weaponry. Downside, there will likely be a need to track the blood trail and assistance with bear recovery.

 

[Das Boot]

I'd keep a very close watch on my kids for that BBQ.

Rub salmon filets all over their faces to deter bears.

Clacking 2 sticks together works well too.

 

[MC Gas Money]

Trap the bear and teach him to ride a unicycle and wrestle semi professional basketball team owners

 

[eoMMan]

What state?

Here in FL, you are looking at a hefty fine and possible jail time if you kill a bear that just wanders into your yard.

 

[pollardsvision]

Who is leaving slabd of meat and chicken carcasses strewn about their backyard the night after a BBQ?

While not to that degree, I'm sure the night of this party has been quite a catch for any animals in the past. I deal with a lot of the food stuff, but it's the 4th and I start drinking well before noon. After eating, then a fireworks show, I'm wrecked and exhausted. Everyone staying the night is in some form of this state, and the generally constitute the clean-up crew.

In the past, clean-up has been spotty, and some years involve more "#### it, we'll get it in the morning"'s than others.

Even with good clean-up, the trash cans will still be quite a buffet for the bear.

Hell, maybe this bear just knows the 4th is coming.

 

[pollardsvision]

What state?

Here in FL, you are looking at a hefty fine and possible jail time if you kill a bear that just wanders into your yard.

So, stand your ground only applies to humans?

 

[MC Gas Money]

Who is leaving slabd of meat and chicken carcasses strewn about their backyard the night after a BBQ?

While not to that degree, I'm sure the night of this party has been quite a catch for any animals in the past. I deal with a lot of the food stuff, but it's the 4th and I start drinking well before noon. After eating, then a fireworks show, I'm wrecked and exhausted. Everyone staying the night is in some form of this state, and the generally constitute the clean-up crew.

In the past, clean-up has been spotty, and some years involve more "#### it, we'll get it in the morning"'s than others.

Even with good clean-up, the trash cans will still be quite a buffet for the bear.

Hell, maybe this bear just knows the 4th is coming.

You should put all thr waste in a very tightly bound garbage bag and bring them in to the garage til its time for pick up

 

[eoMMan]

What state?

Here in FL, you are looking at a hefty fine and possible jail time if you kill a bear that just wanders into your yard.

So, stand your ground only applies to humans?

http://www.naplesnews.com/news/2009/may/08/attorney-man-arrested-shooting-black-bear-protecti/

From that link:

"Florida law is specific: A person cannot kill an endangered or threatened species.

Several reporters and Behen questioned why the “Stand Your Ground” law doesn’t apply when it comes to wildlife – only humans.

Morse said: “We have a legal system. Florida law states you cannot shoot a threatened species.”

There have been cases where a person was not prosecuted if they truly felt they were in fear of their lives and shot a bear. However, there have been no documented bear attacks on human in Florida."

 

[pollardsvision]

Who is leaving slabd of meat and chicken carcasses strewn about their backyard the night after a BBQ?

While not to that degree, I'm sure the night of this party has been quite a catch for any animals in the past. I deal with a lot of the food stuff, but it's the 4th and I start drinking well before noon. After eating, then a fireworks show, I'm wrecked and exhausted. Everyone staying the night is in some form of this state, and the generally constitute the clean-up crew.

In the past, clean-up has been spotty, and some years involve more "#### it, we'll get it in the morning"'s than others.

Even with good clean-up, the trash cans will still be quite a buffet for the bear.

Hell, maybe this bear just knows the 4th is coming.

You should put all thr waste in a very tightly bound garbage bag and bring them in to the garage til its time for pick up

No doubt this is a very big part of the overall problem. There's no pick up. You haul your own trash to the dump. He probably takes it about every 3 weeks.

He could do a better job of sealing it up in between trips, but again, the critters/violent beasts don't bother him that much.