then I do not know WHAT is......

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#2

I am traveling for dog training and picking up my daughter for the summer. So far I have been to Nebraska, Montana, Idaho and am in Washington now.

Training in MT, these guys are a regular hazard we run into.

Cool...from the safety of a truck.
Not so cool out in the field.

Jenn Coulter has a few wildlife tales she's shared. You all are gutsy ladies!

Yeah, the truck helped....doubt I would stand there and take pictures if they were that close with no barrier, we back away and get out of there when that happens......the one near the truck actually stood up and was looking in the window, so I figured it was time to leave them in peace.....

I wouldnt want to be standing there with nothing to aim but my Olympus, thats for sure.

Well the old rule of thumb my grandfather applied from his hunting days were at least two dogs who will engage/challenge the bear and you'll be fine. Usually unless with cubs they'll turn tail and run straight up the nearest tree. He actually hunted bear for several decades with terrier/hound crosses that weighed only about 15-30 lbs so size rarely mattered. He used a pack of 4-5 but there were several folks with good dogs who only took two out.

If you only have one dog though the bear will try to challenge the dog right back and usually you and the dog will lose. If you're out and only have one dog and a bear approaching (hopefully your dog will bark) and you should start yelling/smacking brush (the usual is "get out of here bear!") For some reason bear math is if there is one I might be able to take em but if there is two or more it's likely too much trouble.

I should add NEVER run from a bear or cougar. Back off slowly. Also try to keep your dog on a leash when walking the bear roaming woods. It'll keep your dog from provoking innocent bears just doing their thing.


Edited by Melissa Thom (06/18/2008 05:11 PM)
Edit reason: don't run

Carol, where in WA were you when you saw these bears?

Bears are all over Washington State outside of the I-5 corridor and sometimes even in the I-5 corridor. The ones that wander in to Renton, Everett, and Seattle usually make the evening news though.

I was actually in Montana (NW corner) when I saw them on my way to WA.....

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Training in MT, these guys are a regular hazard we run into.

I feel ya on that one

Just sprayed off 4 expired cans of bear spray for practice with my summer workmates today.

Someone had to spray a cougar just adjacent to my work property the other day, it was crouching and approaching slowly.

Good to know that bear spray works on cougars too!

No bears for me today but the dog and I (and three other people) had a close encounter with a bull moose today. Put the dog on his leash and we passed slowly by within about 10-15 meters. I guess the bull was comfortable with us because he decided to take a VERY long pee as we passed by. OR maybe we just scarred the piss out of him. Okay bad joke.

Awesome photos Carol. That skinny one sure came in for a close look at you I hope you are having lots of doggy fun on your epic road trip!!

 Quote: Carol Boche

then I do not know WHAT is......

#1

#2

I am traveling for dog training and picking up my daughter for the summer. So far I have been to Nebraska, Montana, Idaho and am in Washington now.

Training in MT, these guys are a regular hazard we run into.

I can't get those links to work! I tried two browsers! I wanna see!

Could you maybe re-post without naming them #1 and #2 and I'll try that?