Guess who’s coming to dinner?
Wednesday, July 11th, 2007
Warren, Connecticut. We were watching the NewsHour and I kept hearing this noise from the backyard but didn’t pay it much attention as it was raining out and the rain makes noises on gutters and things around here.
Then I stood up and this is what I saw, exactly this view at this scale. I yelled something and Anne turned around and gasped. I ran to the basement to make sure the cat was inside (she was, thank god) and then up to the office to get camera. Quickly (and stupidly) put 300mm f/4 on (should have left 24-70 on to get whole bear) and ran downstairs. It was obvious I couldn’t get him through the window so I had to go out on the deck. I was not happy about this, it was raining and this is a very large bear, much larger than I thought we had around here. I snuck out on the deck but he saw me, so I quickly squeezed off a few bad shots and ran back inside and locked the door (he could have beaten it down in 3 seconds). He, in turn, lazily got down and walked into the woods.
Anne was all worked up "did you get him, did you get him" and I’m thinking "crap, I’m just glad to be alive." Did I tell you, this bear is big. How big? This feeder is six feet off the ground (I hang them from trees on string to keep squirrels off but not high enough it seems) and he’s sitting on his butt here, lazily having his dinner. If he stood up full height he’d be, well, bigger.This ain’t no nature show. This ain’t no zoo shot. This is my backyard!
Richard,
I am glad you are all safe! What a story to tell the grandkid(s). On second thought, maybe you shouldn’t tell her. Nah, there’s bears out there everywhere you go these days. She needs to know what she is facing in the world. Cool picture. Great story, you ole country boy, you.
Scott: we talked about what to tell Erin because she’s getting more and more comfortable hiking around in the woods behind our house. Of course, I might be a bit more careful back there now too. Erin might discover this picture on her own so that will be that. And, she’s reading now so… all might be out of my control.
And I cannot believe you didn’t use your tripod ;-)
Great pic and even better story! Stay safe!
Jon
Jon, I’d have used it to protect myself if anything… ;)
Holy Crap! AWESOME! He is so beautiful!!!! Oh, How I love his round ears. I can’t believe you went out on the deck you crazy head you- NOT SAFE! Erin is going to be thrilled about this. Post more picts- I want to see more of the bear visit!
Bonnie, there are no more pics of the bear visit, all of the shots were out of focus because Mr. Crazy Head was shaking in his sandals and when the bear looked up he ran back inside. I was a bit concerned that Erin might not want to walk across the bridge anymore, at least for a while. Of course, I might not want to myself either. This dude was BIG!