According to Jonathan Bressie at Quora.com, “a group of bears is called a sloth or a sleuth.” I posted earlier about sighting “a” bear, but Sunday there were three! (My guess is a mama bear and her yearling cubs.) I banged a cookie sheet from the deck, and they moved on across the road. Watch here. Then I ordered a couple of small air horns. (My friends who often visit Yellowstone suggested air horns after they saw the rangers there use them.)
Yesterday I saw one in the meadow; there were two by the time I got out to the deck with the air horn. I’m happy to say that they ran off into the woods on the other side of the road when they heard it.
I had obligations at school Monday and Tuesday and was a bit relieved that I didn’t have time for my ramble. However, I was back out on Wednesday (and every day since), with an air horn in my pocket and a whistle around my neck. I almost always pay attention to my surroundings as I walk. (After all, I need photos and observations for this blog!) I’m being super-vigilant these days, and still noticing some of the animals around me!
With much sorrow, I took some of the bird feeders down and now bring the others in at night and whenever I leave. Also, I make sure to feed the deer only when I see them and only enough to make sure there will be no leftovers. It’s about time for the fawns to appear, and I just can’t make myself quit feeding them all together.
It has rained most of the day, and the forecast calls for more days of rain before it clears. That means I’ll be stuck inside and probably have time for editing photos and posting again soon.
French Broad Hollow Ramble 