Ma-Kettle,
I really like your BYC page. Sounds so much like my upbringing on the coast of Alaska. Always wanted to visit Maine.
When I was living in Alaska I many times walked up on black bears while hiking, even mamas w/cubs. Never was the slightest bit afraid.(moose are another story) As a...
There have been some very sad stories here about people not being able to do anything watching a bear tear apart their coop and kill their chickens. Be very careful & good luck.
Imp