Update: Bears return to finish the job

Another update from Offlake Rentals: As I mentioned the other day, the bears (mother & cub) who ripped apart a bear proof container in Sky Valley came back to finish the job yesterday:

Bear attacks are rare on a global scale, but there have been bear attacks recently in Garrett County, Maryland. This article from the Washington Post, dated September 6, 2007, is sad proof that bear attacks can happen anywhere at any time. This bear apparently tested positive for rabies, and that undoubtedly affected the situation. Normally, bears are peaceful creatures, and they are just like any other animal you encounter in the wild - curious and hungry.

The bottom line is this - if & when you encounter a bear, raccoon, snake, bobcat, or any other wildlife, use common sense and keep your distance.

Interesting read on black bear safety:

"According to Dr. Steve French, who authored the chapter of bear behavior and attacks in the 5th edition of the textbook Wilderness Medicine, here are the rules for avoiding a bear attack in the wilderness:

1. Do not provoke animals. Do not corner or provoke a bear.
2. Never approach an animal when it is with young.
3. Do not disturb a feeding animal. Do not explore into its feeding territory or disrupt mating patterns.
4. In bear country, hang all food off the ground in trees away from the campsite. Never keep food or captured game inside a tent. Use proper food storage to keep food away from bears. Cook at a site away from the sleeping area. Do not sleep in clothes worn while cooking or eating. 5. Make noise when hiking, particularly on narrow paths or through tall grass. If you confront a brown (grizzly) bear, avoid eye contact and try to slowly back away. If you confront a black bear, shout, yell, throw rocks or sticks, or do whatever you can to frighten off the animal.
6. If attacked by a bear, do not try to outrun it - you can’t. Cover your head and the back of your neck with your arms and curl into a fetal position or lay flat on the ground, face down, in order to protect your abdomen. If you are wearing a backpack, keep it on for additional protection. Use your elbows to cover your face if a bear turns you over. After a bear attack, remain on the ground until you are certain that the bear has left the area. More than one victim has successfully protected himself during the initial attack, only to arise too soon (before the bear has lost interest and left the area) and be mauled during the second attack."