2009.09.11
This morning in Botetourt: The first bear I've ever "shot"
Like probably most of the people who read this blog, when I'm driving my eyes are constantly scanning the woods around me looking for game. I like to joke that it's a habit picked up from years of road hunting.
This morning I was on my way to the James River for a canoe trip when I spotted something black in a patch of open woods. I slammed on my brakes.
This sow had two little cubs with her. To my amazement she just hung out about 60 yards away while I took some pictures. The guys who were with me, who are visiting Roanoke for the weekend, were congratulating me for having arranged for them to see my tame bear.
I wish the shots were better but I had some equipment limitations so I don't know that I could have done much better.
We also saw several deer (no bucks) as well as a pretty good gang of hens and juvenile turkeys.
It was also a beautiful morning on the river. Overall a great day.
Nice looking bear. We've got lots of bears out in Botetourt. Here are some of our recent sightings -- along with photos, in some cases:
http://blogs.roanoke.com/rtblogs/botetourtview/2009/09/09/bear-sighted-on-muse-road-while-woman-takes-evening-walk/
Comment by Dwayne Yancey — September 11, 2009 @ 5:46 pm
I'm surprised I haven't wrecked as much as I glance at fields and wood patches as I drive! It's hard not too and I apologize to anyone who might have been behind a big white Dodge in the past and seen brake lights quickly! It's just in our blood :]
Comment by J.R. — September 11, 2009 @ 7:39 pm
My wife fusses at me because I'm always scanning my surroundings while driving but when you hunt I think this habit is in your blood. Great picture and story Mark!
--Just a note: Jason wrote this comment before I approved J.R.'s, so it wasn't like he was copying that "in your blood" theme. mt
Comment by Jason — September 12, 2009 @ 7:33 am
J.R & Jason
Hunting is in you blood so scanning a forest edge or thicket trying to catch a glimpse of any woodland creature is natural.
Because, if I didn't know any better I would have thought someones Tibetan Mastiff got loose.
LOL!
Comment by Static Lines — September 12, 2009 @ 2:44 pm
It sound like agood day,I hope you caught some fish. That looks like a decent sized bear,it kind of shoots a hole in my theory about big ears small bear,small ears big bear.
My better half jumps on me too, about road scouting.
Alfie
Comment by Alfie — September 12, 2009 @ 9:27 pm
Cool, we were heading to Pigeon Forge a few years back and had a large black bear cross right in front of our vehicle in the vicinity of Fairystone Park in Patrick County. Although I am the one that is constantly looking for wildlife while driving, my wife was the quick thinker and captured several nice pictures of the bear, one of which was published in the Martinsville Bulletin.
Comment by Dewey Knight — September 14, 2009 @ 8:44 am