Haven't had one of those yet, just about everything else. Hard to believe it would get into the center of the city like that.
I was just talking with some audobon members today who said they wait to fill their feeders after the bears have hibernated.

Wow Laurel! I would of been freaked out. I've never seen a bear except at the zoo. It is pretty cool that you got some pics.
Remy

I honestly thought I did the other day, but it turned out to be the neighbor's old, 1/2 blind and deaf HUGE dog. Neighborhood dogs were alert and barking.

Wow, I've never seen a bear in my yard, and I'm glad! Must have been exciting though!

DH was coming home about a month ago and saw one near the Susquehanna River in Owego. He was walking along the someones back fence, crossed the road and disappeared down the riverbank.
My DIL has seen them in Apalachin right on Main street.
They seem to be making a recovery just like the turkey, coyotes and bald eagles in the area.

Great shots of your visitor. At the time mine visited it was an adrenalin rush but gardening has never been the same, I am always a little wary and always on the lookout.Here he is , Encon destroyed him 2 days later when he visited a golf course .
{{gwi:1329566}}

Whoa, he's a big one, Kareen! It's a shame Encon had to get rid of him.

Carol, we're virtually neighbors. Glad to hear from you!

No more bear sightings for us. I hope it returned safely to the hills to hibernate.

Laurel

I live in Apalachin (Tioga Terrace). Last year my son saw a bl bear walking down the street in the middle of the day at the top of the development. Then one of the guys that works at the Red Apple (convenience store) down the street saw one walking through the parking lot one nite. They're all over the place. Not only bears, but my other son and I both swear we saw two bobcats running along a hillside off the side of Rt 434 .

I'm in Endwell, down by the Susquehanna, off Main Street. NOT where you expect to see a bear! We had a wild turkey by the yard this summer, too - another thing I've never seen this far into town before. I like seeing the wildlife - I just didn't expect such BIG wildlife to come calling, lol.

Laurel

Laurel Don't be surprised if one doesn't come strolling along. BEARS LOVE WATER!!.If they do enjoy him\her.I've seen someplace pictures of one in Endwell walking the streets. Judging by the older houses in the picture it my of been near you.They aren't like people . They don't care what town they live in as long as there's food.Years ago someone I know saw one at the corner of Robble Ave and Franklin.As far as waiting for bears to hibernate before putting out bird seed. Think again. I've walked up on a mother and two cubs a few years ago on my Christmas morning hike.Bears are not true hibernators. The weather plays a big part in their sleep. While most females stay denned, males will wake and wonder looking for food on mild winter days.So that bird feeder isn't as safe as you my think.The biggest problem with bears are people.We need to learn to live with them. I have to commend the police and DEC on how they handled the bear at JFS school.Except for the stupid kid hitting it with a stick the police did what was right. The KILLER bear didn't want our kids.While all the commotion was going on he slept in the wood lot behind the school.The state has put on numerous seminars about living with bears.With all the fear people have of them you would think more then a few people have shown up for the seminars. Bears are eating machines.Keep your garbage,pet food and grills locked up. As far as the bird feeders go. Put them high up and bear proof.The feeder will still attract a bear from spillage on the ground. Either don't feed the birds or be prepared for a visit.Watch them from a window. And don't try and get that picture of Little Johnny hugging the cute bear

Trust me, Craig76, I have NO DESIRE to endanger myself, my family, or the bear! I heard about the bear at JFS. (I hadn't heard about the kid hitting it - ??!! Foolish kid.)
We've been here 10 years, and this was the first bear we've seen. I took the pictures from a nice, safe, elevated distance. We are by a creek coming down through the town, and that was probably the bear's "highway." I'm not afraid of the bears - just respectfully watchful.

Any smart bear WOULD be denned up in this howling gale. Nasty wind and bitter cold here, so I'm glad to be inside.

Laurel