problem bear

[dug]

Look who came sauntering up my driveway yesterday-



Not the most polite visitor, but I guess I've had worse-



The extended drought has been driving many critters out of the parched mountains and down into our river valley, last week we had a herd of about 30 elk in our yard.

This juvenile delinquent has been double tagged and I'm guessing his third strike may be his last. I admit that a freezer full of bear meat has crossed my mind but I have a soft spot in my heart for all wild animals and I have always especially liked bears. I would like to see him reformed, though I doubt his chances are very good.

I unloaded my Ruger 10/22 in his general vicinity, kicking up dirt and gravel all around him which did scare him off but he was back within a half an hour looking for another meal out of my trash can. I have a feeling he will be back today.

Anyone know a method to instill a genuine fear of humans in wild critters without putting a hole in them? Rubber bullets? 

[peternap]

As much as I love to hunt I have to confess a soft spot for bears too dug.

Beautiful bear!

Load a couple shotgun shells with rocksalt or peppercorns and give his backsides a good dose. If that doesn't do it, you'll have to kill him.

[rwanders]

Dug & Peter, I agree about bears----always thought we predators should stick together---sort of like union brothers.

Herbivores get all the sympathy---we get rock salt in our butts.