Ok...kind of scary.

It seems mama bear and the twins are getting more curious and possibly hungry. This morning the neighbors right in front of us had 5 muddy bear paw prints on their windows from last night. THAT is a little scary. I can't imagine waking up in the night and seeing that black fur looking back at you. I hope that was the end of the curiosity and she finishes off the blackberries that are still around, instead of breaking into fridges.

A couple nights ago the same neighbor called us to tell us that the threesome had just come for a visit and checked out his grill (but didn't knock it over or anything). They were headed our way. We stayed at the window for a long time, but we didn't see them. No sign of them the next morning either.

The trouble with this time of year is that if they do become problem bears, the Department of Fish and Wildlife can't relocate them. It's hunting season and the tranquilizers are bad for humans if the bear is shot for food. November 15th is the end of the hunting season. I really love that they are hanging out in our neighborhood, because it's private property and hunting is not allowed. It would be tragic if this little family was destroyed- those cubs are tiny and precious.

Let's just hope that she teaches the little ones to forage on a natural diet! In the meantime, we're going to be a little more cautious after sunset...and we'll keep a closer eye on Summit.