Glad he was on a leash, so you could get him safely away. The housemate used to live that far out in the country, and her niece and nephew still do, and are always fascinated by our birdfeeder when they visit, because they can't have one, to avoid drawing in unwanted visitors like yours.

I've always wanted to have beehives, but I live in-town, and while we technically can have them, the very first time anyone complains, they have to go, so it's not worth it.

I didn't see a black bear but a black snake. It was pretty long, maybe a chicken snake. The snake is the one who left skid marks, I'm surprised it didn't crack its spine it doubled back on itself so fast. The snake and me were in no danger from one another.

Now the young rabbit a few days later was scary. You know how rabbits don't run for safety but jinks back and forth. Finally Bugs headed for the grass. I love living in the country, the pluses outweigh the minuses like no high speed internet-

he would no doubt have more than stitches in his leg. Glad you are both safe.

I don't even like to think about that....

and I spotted a copperhead nicely camouflaged on mulch under a bush right next to
our driveway as we were walking up it to the road. Decided to leave it alone,
and it was gone when we came back.

You win!

Yeah. It was definitely an oh, shi! moment this a.m.

I had to water after we got back and I was nervously watching the whole time I was out
there.

We usually see them run over in the road--probably from warming themselves on asphalt.
But I keep an eye out along the edge of the road because I don't want Snowy deciding
to go up and stick her nose in one!

I've heard that copperheads smell like cucumbers, although I've never been close enough to one - knowingly, that is - to find out.

My son was visiting from Seattle and commented the bear alert made him feel close to home. I've seen bears fishing for salmon in Alaska, and checking out curbside garbage in Sunshine Canyon, outside of Boulder. I couldn't believe how fast that Colorado bear sprinted up to the top of the canyon when we stopped nearby.

Last week I also had two wild turkeys grazing on spilled birdseed from my front yard feeders - they hung out for 3 days. Had the window next to my computer/work space enlarged so it's down to desk height. I can look out on the woods and especially when the leaves are down, see deer. Also regular sightings of rabbits, racoons and the neighborhood ground hog, and a red-tailed hawk who circles overhead riding the drafts & hunting on nice days. This all provides tremendous entertainment for my two rescued-from-the-woods housecats, for whom I have set up great observation points inside the house.

Love to sit in my back yard under a shade tree with a good book, and feel the breeze blowing up the hill through the woods. British novelist Henry James declared "summer afternoon" to be the most beautiful phrase in the English language. I agree. It's happiness defined.

and saw mama turkey peeking out from behind the barbeque shed looking back at me

I've ridden my bike in all kinds of isolated places. I've nearly run over two tiny baby bears. Now that was frightening. But the worst was coming right up on a mountain lion that was at least 8 feet from tip to tail. It didn't even flinch. I knew I was one second away from being someone's lunch.

The next morning there would be evidence in the form of branches on the ground, and bear dung. They were having a party up there, and it looks like they would get drunk and fall out of the trees.

I remember one hot Summer day seeing a bear easily climb right up there. I have to admit they are pretty frightening when viewed up close.

Very cool!

Years ago, late one night, my dogs were braking intensely. It was a different "tone" than usual. I walked around the house, but didn't see anything.

We had a gas pump in the barn there, and being out at the far end of a seasonal dirt road, had several instances of theft. I called my brother-in-law, who lived across the valley; he came and picked me up, and we went out on one of the "farm roads" behind the barn.

A medium-sized bear reared up on its hind legs in front of the truck. They appear bigger that way! (grin) Even though we were in the truck, it got my heart pounding mighty fast! My brother-in-law backed up, and the bear returned to all fours, and walked off into the darkness.

I find bears fascinating.

In the driveway, not so much! My rural area of NC doesn't get any bear sightings, and hey, im cool with that.

That's why we flipped a u and ran back to the house!

lol ive never seen a bear in person. one day...

One in Rocky Mountain Natl Park & saw a grizzly cub at Yellowstone Natl park!