He's BAAACK....

More fun bear stories to share.  During the week of Thanksgiving, we put our garbage out as usual on Friday for pickup.  Neither of us recalled the holiday schedule as being a day later than normal, so we just assumed they had come.  Generally, we put the cans out the morning of pick up and then, bring them back to the house that night or the next day (as nearly everyone does).  Saturday morning we woke up to drizzle and I happened to glance out the window.  The garbage can was down and bags were ripped apart strewing garbage all over our yard and the neighbors yard.  I promptly went down to pick up and came upon these tracks in the mud.  The rather large prints led me to believe that this bear too- had a happy Thanksgiving!
Then...2 nights ago Summit requested a very early morning potty trip (2am).  Vil graciously got up and took him out to do his business.  Within a few minutes he was barking furiously and Vil ran outside to call him in.  Summit was only 1/2 way across the yard- standing his ground and not wanting to go any further.  In hot pursuit of deer or elk, he's been known to take off and be gone a while- this was different... as he didn't give chase.  He ran back to the house and was happy to see the door close behind him.  The next day, I was trying to find the empty garbage can.  It was a Saturday and of course- the day after garbage day (why don't we learn?).  The windstorm had decided to move it around the yard, and old man Winter had laughingly put 5-6" of snow on top of it.  Finally I located the can in a ditch- and when I did.... once again discovered huge bear prints all around the can.  The can was completely empty- so no score for that bear this time.  I couldn't help feel a bit sorry for the big guy though- it's getting pretty late in the year and he needs his long winter nap- he's probably  very hungry and looking for something before he goes to bed.  Here's to a good night's sleep until next Spring, Mr. Bear!