I'm totally numb

[SimplcitiyAltered]

Wow Mark I hope you get this situation under control soon. Luckily we dont have bears in my part of the woods though we do have a bobcat that lives down on the creek I see tracks from it after we get a good rain walking out back behind our coop already sent word to my brother who has tracked it and found its den now we have a lot of reports of mountain lions being sited throughout the area its all this new building they are doing in the surrounding areas I believe I curse those developers about 6 miles away they have slated a large portion of wooded land aprox 187 acres for a subdivision they are going to clear most of the woods away to build 24 homes such a shame. I cannot give you suggestions on how to deal with this animal as I have never had to expierience one but I would get someone to stake out your coop and kill it because it will keep coming back and wouldnt want to see any of the new birds you get to be killed.

 

[chickbea]

I hear you on the building. We have the same thing going on in Vermont. A new road and homes were built on the ridge behind my house a few years ago right through prime deer wintering area, and ever since then it has pushed the hungry deer down the mountain into my yard, where they munch away on my shrubs!
Not only are new homes going up everywhere you look (while lovely old colonials are left to rot, but that's another rant), but they have to have them somewhere they can have a view, so they strip the ridgelines and build on the mountains. It's hard to look up and find a mountain now that isn't pockmarked with clearings. Very sad.

 

[2mnypets]

I think bear is on the menu even though it's not its fault. Unfortunately you can't convince the board of supervisors that this wouldn't be happening if they weren't money hungry. If they would stop dreaming about what's lining their pockets and start thinking about the fur that's keeping a bear warm and alive, this thread wouldn't exsist. Since it does, and the bear unfortunately will be back, it's now on borrowed time. I would say that any centerfired rifle would work. One that can take down a deer. Something like a .284 caliber. You could also try a .280 Remington, 7x57 Mauser, .30-06, .300 Winchester Magnum, .30-30 Winchester, .338 Winchester Magnum, and .45-70. As far as ammunition, I personally shoot Sabots. Just make sure you go for the lower part of the lungs if you intend to shoot it. Otherwise, there is a non-vital spot between the lungs and the spine where it will just pass through the ribs and really tick the bear off. I'm sorry for your loss. I think I would wait on any new chickens until the problem is permanently resolved. Don't know if I can ship, but I'm willing to send you some chickens when you get everything resolved. Best of luck to you.

 

[MarkR]

Chickbea,

I grew up in Danville, and I just can't go back. It's too depressing to see all the building. Why do they need apartment buildings in Danville? St. J commuters?!!?!?! Doesn't make any sense to me, it's too small a town.

Mark

 

[MarkR]

I just want to say THANK YOU to every one for the support. This is a great place.

Mark

 

[Katy]

Just wondering what happened with the bear....or did I miss an update post?

 

[MarkR]

Haven't heard from him. My bird feeders and beehive are unmolested, so I'm hoping he moved on. Still, I'm prepared for him to come back.

Mark

 

[speckledhen]

That's good because tomorrow a.m., your eggs are on their way-sent you an email!

 

[MarkR]

Eggs-cellent!!!

Thanks, Cyn!

Mark

 

[cookinmom]

Just finally reading this. So sorry this happened, Mark. Sure am glad he didn't mess with your bees!