While everything and everyone is past waking up from winter, and summer is solidly in place [even though there was frost in the creek bottoms a few days ago!], there is still plenty of wildlife coming around.
There was a young moose nibbling our trees last week, and he was completely oblivious to the intense barking Heeler [me!] trying to warn him off.
Often there are bears roaming the hills and, since I located a freshly dead deer near the creek, roaming close to my yard too, I think.
In honor of my personally declared “Bear Week”, I’m bringing back one of my favorite tales. A few years ago, we had plenty of bruins all around:
It seems a tough winter is finally over, and Spring brings plenty of fresh discoveries.
A cruel winter brought a blessing to the bears, as they came out of hibernation to a winterkill feast. This year, especially, must be good to the bruins, as there are a lot of them around.
We see them, just before dawn, coming down from the hills, their nose following the aroma of dead flesh.
I helped set up a trail camera, to watch them as they crossed the edge of the north cow pasture; then, after dining, they go down to the creek to wash their paws and get a cool drink, and on up the other side of the valley.
And these black bears come in all colors and sizes!
There were small bears – some chocolate brown, cinnamon and – mom’s favorite – a beautiful little amber cub with dark ears and face.
There are medium bears – mostly black, some mama bears with cubs, but of course we don’t ask them about their family affiliations. There was one mama bear, trying to enjoy breakfast, while two small cubs raced around playing hide and seek! 
And then there is an enormous black bear, who strolls around like he owns the mountain – I think he does!
I saw him just across the creek bottom, ambling up the hill, finding sweet greens along the way to compliment his earlier beef breakfast. Of course I ran out and gave him my best “Heeler in charge” bark, adding a little coyote yip-yapping for good measure.
The bear was totally unimpressed.
I know this little cowdog would be swatted into next week with one swipe of his giant paw, so I stayed on my side of the creek, barking like I was a tough wild dingo.
The bear was still totally unimpressed.
He didn’t even hustle into the woods like he was scared, just stood there, nibbling his herbs, looking serenely at the wild dingo. I think I even detected a smirk on his lips – can you believe the disrespect?
Mom called me back, but I was secretly glad I didn’t have to go over there and show that beast who is boss in these parts.
But when we drive around exploring their country, I like to stay on the four-wheeler.
I learned that the bears don’t always like to share, and that they sometimes bicker with each other over space and dinner!
And they don’t particularly enjoy the flash on the night camera either. At night, they look like fire-eyed ghost monsters!
The night shots are black and white and sometimes blurry, because these guys aren’t interested in posing for the camera. 
I guess the big furry apex predators have cleaned up most of the free meat, because there are fewer of them now. For a couple of weeks, we saw bears every morning, as well as catching them on the camera. Now it is mostly the younger ones that still come through looking for a snack.
There are other creatures on the camera. Mostly crows, magpies and vultures.
Mom will move the camera around, and we may see moose, elk, deer – even a coyote or a bobcat – passing through, maybe stopping at the creek for a cool drink. Sometimes a horse or cow shows up too.
I like the wildlife parade here, and I tell you, I smell a lot more than the camera picks up! And I do believe there are far too many bear pictures this week, and not enough Heelers!
I like to pretend this is my territory, but I share it with many others. And they’re all coming out now, just like the flowers, deep pasture grass and green -growing everything.
Early dawn, late sunset, and almost to the longest day already.
Welcome Summer! And bears too.
“Your righteousness is like the highest mountains, your justice like the great deep. You, Lord, preserve both people and animals.” – Psalm 36:6
