— from Sheriff Ron Krebs —
Black bear spotted Sunday, May 28, 2017 around 1 p.m. Photo from Hilary Canty.
At around 4 p.m. this afternoon [Saturday, May 27], a black bear was seen in the 1100 block of Point Lawrence Road heading towards Obstruction Pass. The Sheriff’s Office has been unable to locate the bear.
We called the Department of Fish and Wildlife who said the bear probably swam to the island and that they have been seen on the outer islands before. Black bears can swim incredible distances. One of the largest populations of black bears lives a short distance away on Vancouver Island.
The Department of Fish and Wildlife ask that you not attempt to feed or harm the bear. They are safe and not aggressive unless they are cornered and can tend to get aggressive when they are fed. They said they eat vegetation and that you are more likely to be attacked by a raccoon than a black bear.
We ask that you keep your garbage locked up and not to feed it. If you see it standing up on its hind legs, it is just being inquisitive. If you see the bear, please call the San Juan County Sheriff’s Office at 378-4151.
Shooting the bear is considered poaching. Please do not harm it.
Taken about 5:45 p.m., Sunday, May 28 on Palisades Drive near the back trail to the park. Joe Symons photo.
**If you are reading theOrcasonian for free, thank your fellow islanders. If you would like to support theOrcasonian CLICK HERE to set your modestly-priced, voluntary subscription. Otherwise, no worries; we’re happy to share with you.**
I hope a law enforcement will not shoot it either, find and learn how to use a tranquilizer gun.
The bear crossed the road in front of me by the fire station on the road to Obstruction Pass about 430-500pm. It’s a small bear, maybe a couple of years old. Tried to get a picture but it went into some thick brush.
Nice photo, Joe. Yup, that’s a bear, all right. Sure looks lonesome and maybe wondering how. s/he ended up here.
Maybe there are two bears
Then there would soon be four bears.
Mother bears frequently produce two cubs at a time.
Since we know about this bear, we would then know about the cubs’ forebears.
(rim shot)
Steve; It is really hard to bear up when you “bear”ly manage to conceal your “bear” disregard for good punsmanship.
This back and forth is unbearable!
We saw it early afternoon Saturday, right on the edge of the driveway (on Picketts Ln) 10′ behind the sleeping dog. Stood there while I callled the dog and put her in the house and then when I went to look again it ambled off in to the woods. Some deputies came out, and didn’t seem to believe me, but I don’t blame them. I thought it had a much lighter coat than the pictures of the bear here so maybe there are two.
The Shinn family nominates the bear for mayor
Where is Grizzly Adams when you need him?
Good idea to not attempt to feed or harm the bear. However, they are not safe and can be aggressive, especially young males.
Black bears generally avoid humans unless they leave food and garbage out. Bears can open garbage cans and they love dog food..
Remember to talk or sing while hiking with bears!
I live up in the Highlands, out garbage was knocked over and gone through and chewed up some time last night. I thought it odd that there were no teeth marks like the raccoons have left in the past.
illegal alien Obviously – S/He should be shipped back to Canada – Eh?
Go Bears!
Yes, I agree that singing to bears is a good way to gain their trust. It also helps boost their morale. I find they like the old musicals, especially “Oklahoma” (they love “The Surrey with the Fringe on Top”). Some are also quite fond of “West Side Story” and respond positively to “When You’re A Jet” and “Something’s Coming”. You can’t go wrong with anything by Gilbert and Sullivan. I really hope he comes this way because I’d like to teach him to do the Charleston.
It is the return of the Bear-foot bandit.
Probably i barely beat someone else to this pun.
This community is in desperate need of someone with the skill and courage necessary to pun with words like Ursus. Rhymes and homophones of the word bare have reached deeply into the strategic reserves and the community’s battered tolerance is nearing critically low levels. Obviously, we can all use more Gilbert and Sullivan, in any event.
Just spotted the bear at 2:45p south of 1288 Olga Road and the Salmon Hatchery (smart bear). Beautiful.
Just saw him at grove and Rosario at 4:20pm