By Michael Ryan
CATSKILL - There is no disrespect meant, saying I was mildly amused by a recent report on the Greene County website about black bears.
Bruins are no laughing matter, evidenced by a story in the excellent online newspaper “Porcupine Soup” regarding a man who unexpectedly encountered one in his home a week or so ago.
“The bear was in an entry room of the residence where food and garbage is stored,” Porcupine Soup scribe Andrea Macko noted in her piece, quoting the Department of Environmental Conservation.
Macko further reported, “the homeowner did not see the bear, and when he entered the room, the bear attempted to get out the doorway and either bit or scratched the homeowner.”
The man was taken to Albany Med via ambulance, treated for several deep lacerations to his neck and arms and later released, Macko reported.
DEC trapped and euthanized the bear with Macko reporting, “the decision to euthanize a bear is one that DEC said it does not take lightly.”
“Humane euthanasia is always a last resort when an animal is suffering or presents an immediate threat to public health or safety,” DEC says.
That all happened in Round Top and my heart goes out to the gentleman. Lately, I have had reason to think about the same scenario.
There is a cemetery on my property dating back to the 1800’s and the family of Augustus Pratt, a Revolutionary War captain.
A well worn trail leads to the graveyard where I was walking, one afternoon earlier this summer, seeing what I thought was a shadow.
It wasn’t. It was a black bear moving through the woods in my direction not more than thirty feet away, quiet as a massive church mouse.
I don’t know who saw who first but I remember instantly hoping I wouldn’t have to square off against the brute, figuring it wouldn’t go well for me.
Then I started looking around for some pots and pans. I’ve heard they are good for scaring off bears if banged together and I laughed, wondering what they’d be doing out there in the middle of the forest.
Suddenly remembering my situation, fear bolted through me, not knowing if I could outrun the bear, seemingly my best option at that point.
Fortunately, the bear disappeared into the thickness, which is why it was mildly amusing when the county website suggested what to do if a bear and you come face to face.
“The best way to protect yourself and wild animals is to avoid all interaction possible,” the website states. (Are they telling the bears that)?
“Slowly back away in the opposite direction; running may trigger a chase response from the bear,” the website states. (Now they tell me)!
“Make loud noises. Example: banging pots and pans together. (For those who may not know, cookware ain’t easy to stumble upon in the woods).
I get it. Bears are no joke. For years I have had - or should I say used to have - a metal pail and tight lid filled with bird seed in the garage that a bear grabbed and beat to a pulp in my yard. So much for that grub.
And my property has a network of pathways cut amid high-growing bushes plump with berries that somebody wrecks in the night every now and then.
My guess is it isn’t hummingbirds. Whoever it is stomps through the brush as if it is a garden of daisies, and I have to push them back upright.
I figure it’s the same bear with the beautiful black coat I surprised, walking to the cemetery and down my dirt road another afternoon.
She or he was just ambling along, roly-poly, as innocent as a cuddly stuffed toy, the summer sunshine glistening in its fur.
I was tempted to do everything the county website said not to, warning us, in bold capital letters, NOT to approach a bear.
But what I wouldn’t have given to lose myself in that Br’er Bear warmth in a world where comfort is something not so easily sought and found.
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