Speaking Of Bears

For Immediate Release June 11,
2004
Bear attacks 18 year old in Standish
STANDISH, Maine -- An 18 year old who was outside taking pictures of a black
bear feeding at a birdfeeder in his backyard was attacked and injured by the
bear yesterday afternoon.

Nick Talbot, of Standish, got within 30 feet of the bear to take pictures of
the it feasting on birdseed. His dog barked at the bear, and that was when
two cubs emerged. Sensing a dangerous situation, Talbot turned to go back
inside, but as he turned, the mother bear charged, closed the distance and
slashed Talbot on the arm. The bear then bared its teeth and snarled.

"It's unbelievable how an animal that big is that fast," Talbot said Friday
to the Associated Press. "She hit me so hard it knocked me to one side." The
injury didn't require any medical treatment. Talbot said he cleaned the
scratch and got a tetanus shot.

Bears this time of year on are on the search for food, and that search often
brings them in contact with humans as they look to feed on bird seed,
garbage, pet food or even raid barbecue grills. They also will attack cattle
or other farm animals.

This is the first nuisance bear complaint this year that involved an injury
to a person, however, in Orono Wednesday night, a bear tried to get into a
house through a window in search of food, damaging the screen window and
vinyl siding. The bear was scared away by the homeowner. Earlier this year,
a bear killed two pigs in Atkinson, and in South Berwick, two sheep were
killed by a bear. Problems such as these occur each spring and early summer
as bears emerge from dens at their lowest weight at a time when natural food
supplies are at their lowest.

Mother bears are also extremely protective of their young, and they will
charge if they feel that they or the cubs are being threatened. If you
encounter a bear while hiking or in your yard, here's what you should do:

* Keep your distance. Make it aware of your presence by
clapping, talking or making other sounds.

* If you see cubs, stay away. Bear cubs are never orphaned by
their mother this time of year. The mother is nearby and is very protective.
Any movement towards the cubs could be seen as an attack, and the mother
will attack you.

* If a bear does not immediately leave after seeing you, the
food may be encouraging it to stay. Remove any sight or smell of foods.
Place food items inside a vehicle or building. Occupy a vehicle or building
until the bear wanders away.

* Black bears will sometimes "bluff charge" when cornered,
threatened or attempting to steal food. Stand your ground and slowly back
away. Don't turn your back to the bear.




Handyman Mike
Standing in a river waving a stick