Bear in a tree? How can it be??

Hey, Mom, come outside. You'll never guess what we found in the maple tree!  

Actually, it was when I had the dogs outside in the morning, that they started barking like crazy. I ignored them, for I figured they were just scolding the neighbor for having the audacity to drive up his own driveway, across from ours.  (Bridger's like that.) I had been on my way to the garden, but Bridger and Misty started sounding pretty frantic, so I walked over to see what was going on. 

By now, their barks sounded more like an alert because of a snake or a skunk. I stood next to them, trying to see what all the fuss was about, but didn't notice anything unusual. Then Misty looked up into the maple tree next to us. So I glanced up.

 And there she was - an intruder, in Bridger's mind.

A friend of ours said it was probably a 3-year old, 

and most likely a sow.

Once I got the dogs indoors, (they obey the IN command pretty well), I went back out with my camera to see if I could get some photos to share with you. Of course!  The gorgeous, snuggly-looking black bear settled in on a branch with her legs hanging down, looking like she was trying to get comfortable enough to take a nap. She was so cute, I just wanted to pet that dense fur and give her a hug - like I do my dogs. No, they don't like hugs much either. And of course I wouldn't really do that to a black bear, for I don't want to get ripped to shreds!

 

Figuring out the best way to climb down

Eventually, our cute little friend did climb down, ran across the yard, down the driveway, and took off up the road. The last I saw her, she was trotting up Neighbor Bill's driveway. Maybe she'll take a nap in that old barn. I wonder if we'll see her again. 

Of course now I have to put Bridger on lead before taking him outdoors. He hyperventilated for about a half hour after his first bear encounter!

So the next time you read Blueberries for Sal to your children, be sure to let them know that Maine isn't the only place where black bears live. They're also found in NW Wisconsin!

And just in case they're not sitting on your home library shelves, all of Robert McCloskey books would be a great addition to your home library!

Make Way for Ducklings

One Morning in Maine

Blueberries for Sal

Time of Wonder

Homer Price

Our kids loved them all!  (and so did I)  :-)

P.S.  Don't forget to stop in at Sherry's blog, Lamp Unto My Feet for her Blogiversary Giveaway! My handcrafted soaps are being featured there. :-)


This post is linked to We Did It Wednesday! 
and Lovely Photo Wednesday.