My first MD bear sighting!!

slicendice · 12-26-2002, 01:24 PM

I saw my first MD bears while muzzleloader hunting in southern Washington County, Md on Sat. It appeared to be a sow and yearling. The sow appeared to be about 150-200 pounds while the yearling looked to be about 75-100 pounds. I had heard reports of bears being seen in the area, but this is the first time I ever saw one for myself.
It was exciting to say the least, but I thought they should have been denned up this time of year. It also appeared that they affected the deer movement that day. I saw the bears at first light, but didn't see any deer until a few minutes before sundown when 3 came in acting very cautious.

Steve F.in MD · 12-26-2002, 03:56 PM

Pretty cool Slicendice! We have 4-6 reported sightings here in Frederick County every year. I like the idea that the bears are doing well in Maryland but many people do not. Might have a bear season now that we have a new administration in power.

DougMD · 12-26-2002, 04:58 PM

I'm a bit surprised they aren't denned up already myself. Where I own in West Virginia, I believe they've been denned for weeks now, since there are no acorns. My understanding is that if there is food available, they may not hibernate at all. I guess it's when they expend more energy finding food than they have to eat that they decide to den for the winter. Great to hear of your sighting.

GTop · 12-26-2002, 06:26 PM

Steve F.

I was at one of the local outdoor shows last year. DNR had a booth set up and I got to talking with them.They told me there's a couple resident bears in the Watershed that they know about.

slicendice · 12-27-2002, 06:09 AM

Steve F & Gforce,

I had a buddy who hunted the Watershed on the opening day of archery season this year. He had a good size bear come in right at first light and hang around for a while. He said at one point, the bear actually was sniffing the base of the tree he was in and was looking up at him. My buddy said he's sure the bear knew what he was, but wasn't nervous in the least. This of course, made my buddy very nervous and at this point my buddy shoo-ed him away.

Steve F.in MD · 12-29-2002, 05:46 PM

Resident bears in the watershed? I'll have to cruise up there when we get another snow and scout for tracks. Anyone seen any coyotes in Frederick County? I keep hearing rumors about them but have never seen one.

cyclone · 12-30-2002, 08:18 AM

Saw a road killed yote on rt. 340 near the Petersburg exit.

~Will Hunt For Food~