Local naturalist Ben Schrader has kept us entertained for the past 6 weeks with photos taken with motion cameras along the Appalachian Trail in Botetourt County.

Here’s his summary:

“This site captured 75 photos in 6 weeks of 10 different species. Both sites had coyotes but this is the only bobcat the last 6 weeks. The second set produced 66 photos in 6 weeks of 6 species mostly bears. The bears several times changed the direction of the camera away from my scent trap. No camera damage but the bracket is stressed. Smithsonian wants still photos, but this playful cub would have made a nice video. I had scent on the bottom side of the pole. They must think anything with that much odor should have more meat so momma checks it out also.”

Enjoy!

OTHER BEAR SIGHTINGS IN BOTETOURT:
* July 28: Gloria Carter of Buchanan tells about her encounter with a bear
* July 28: Sarah Saunders sees a bear near Botetourt Country Club
* July 27: Karen Wright of Buchanan encounters bear in her driveway
* July 27: Bear breaks into Helen Beaver’s home near Buchanan
* July 16: Gail K. Stephens sights bear in Arcadia
* July 2: David and Hazel Bowers share photos of a mother bear and two cubs three miles north of James River High School
* July 1: Katerina Yancey sees bear galloping across U.S. 220

Have you seen a bear in Botetourt lately? Let us know at news@botetourtview.com