South Carolina

[Southern Bee Lady]

One of Terry's relatives just shared a photo of their field cam the other day. It was over in Liberty and they keep an eye on the corn field with it. Imagine their surprise when they saw a deer right at the edge of the field with a mountain lion( yes, a puma!) stalking it! I did not know that those were down around Liberty. I kept looking at that photo trying to decide if maybe it was a bob cat but nope, it was much too big. The deer was looking at the cat, too and I am sure in the next instant, it ran for it's life!

Wow, that is all we need is more critters that like chicken.

A couple of years ago, DNR was claiming that they did not exist in SC even thou they were being sighted and tracks were found. Guess they are changing their minds now.

 

[EggieRowe]

Wow, that is all we need is more critters that like chicken.

A couple of years ago, DNR was claiming that they did not exist in SC even thou they were being sighted and tracks were found. Guess they are changing their minds now.

I was just thinking that! I think they were still in denial as late as this spring even when people had game camera pictures on the local news.

 

[WestKnollAmy]

I keep saying I am going to get one to see what comes out of the woods behind the barn. Two of my neighbors want to set up their hunting blinds (big boys with big toys!) and stay out there for a while to see what they can pick off. We know we have deer and wild turkey, foxes and raccoons but they think the Great Pyrenees won't be able to fight off any bears. I told them to make sure they have BIG rifles or shotguns and to shoot a bear until it isn't moving and then shoot some more. I have heard they get mean when not completely dead. I have never seen or heard of bears around here though but I am not saying they aren't here.

And like you, Mary, I am often going to the barn late at night. I just feel safer knowing Jolie is there though and I do take a flashlight even though the brooder room is lit up like a Christmas tree and right now only the screen door is closed at night, not the big door.

 

[WestKnollAmy]

Quote: You would think "seeing is believing!"

 

[Avonshire]

Well Sam came over today but I did NOT get any honey. She says she forgot it but I am suspicious!!!

 

[Patsy29332]

Well Sam came over today but I did NOT get any honey. She says she forgot it but I am suspicious!!!

 

[EggieRowe]

Just out of curiosity, if I see a bear, coyote, mountain lion, stray dog or cat, raccoon, etc. after my chickens, am I allowed to shoot it? Or do I have to call someone like the DNR or Animal Control first?

 

[Patsy29332]

Inexperienced (on this one) inquiring mind needs to know...LOLOL...pullet or cockerel...girl or boy? "It" is about 10 weeks old in the picture...a Sizzle (frizzled silkie):

 

[Southern Bee Lady]

Just out of curiosity, if I see a bear, coyote, mountain lion, stray dog or cat, raccoon, etc. after my chickens, am I allowed to shoot it? Or do I have to call someone like the DNR or Animal Control first?

You can shoot all of the coyotes that you want to if you are allowed to shoot in your area. Also would want to make sure it is safe to shoot. Bullets travel a long ways if you miss.

As far as bear, it will cost you approx. $5000 if you get caught for shooting a bear. You have to reimburse the state $1500 (a couple of years ago) for the bear, plus the pay the fines for shooting the bear. DNR has spoken at some of our beekeepers meetings. As long as we have bear fencing up (ie we are doing our part) they will try to help us. They told us they would give us rubber bullets

to shoot the bears with to scare them away. If it was an area that was rural enough, they would get someone with bear dogs to run the bear out of the area. Not many places where that can be done. If nothing else worked, they would try to trap and relocate a problem bear. I lost close to $3000 in bees, hives, equipment, and honey in Jan. when the bear destroyed them. I did not bother to call DNR since I did not have bear fencing on that yard. It was a low risk bee yard. I now have bear fencing at that location.

Since DNR does not think we have mountain lions in the state, who knows with that one. LOL There is definitely not a hunting season on them in SC.
I have heard that you can shoot a dog or cat if it is on your property harming your livestock but do not know that for sure.

Well Sam came over today but I did NOT get any honey. She says she forgot it but I am suspicious!!!

VERY SUSPICIOUS LOL

 

[WestKnollAmy]

Well Sam came over today but I did NOT get any honey. She says she forgot it but I am suspicious!!!

I agree, suspicious! And very telling!