Grizzly cub dismantles barbecue

Early this past week the hunters were happy. Over a three day period we had a combined total of nearly six inches of snow. With temperatures during the day hovering around 35 degrees, it was settling but still OK for tracking. That lasted until Friday morning, when it warmed up and began to rain.

Now, on Saturday, the North Fork Road is bare below Red Meadow and mostly bare north to Trail Creek. Only a few slick spots in the shaded areas and temperatures were above freezing all night and at noon on Saturday it was 45 degrees and still raining hard.

I’m not looking forward to two feet of snow, but grey skies, rain, and generally depressing days aren’t my favorite either. At least the first snowstorms are pretty.

As the rain continues, our freshly graded road is spawning potholes faster than a colony of rabbits. And the potholes grow faster than rabbits.

Apparently there was a grizzly bear break-in in Glacier Park and damage done to at least one outbuilding. Workers scared the griz and cub away the next day and a trap was set. The mother could not be caught even though they did capture the cub. A decision was made to release the cub and both were subjected to adversive training. Hopefully, they will now avoid human habitations.

Another resident north of Trail Creek returned home to find a grizzly with two cubs in his front yard. In fact, one of the cubs was dismantling the resident’s barbecue on his front porch.

These two incidents reinforce my opinion that the big bears need to be more aggressively managed or we are sure to have a tragedy. A tightly controlled permit system would most likely eliminate the bears that are being seen most frequently around homes. More than that, bears are fast learners and they teach their young. It doesn’t take them long to learn that pots and pans, cracker shells, and humans yelling will not hurt them, and eventually they will become bolder—especially if they find a food reward.

As the hunting season reaches its peak and our main social memory has to rely on thoughts of Jan and Alice Caldwells’ terrific Halloween party, it is time to start looking forward to the end of the hunting season and Thanksgiving Dinner at Sondreson Hall.

Perennial hosts Steve and Christina Berg are organizing the event yet again.  Turkeys and ham will be provided and everyone brings a side dish. Actually, I think the Bergs also do (or get volunteers) the mashed potatoes. Also, for several years, Joe Novak has brought a bucket of gravy, Trish Walsh does deviled eggs and everyone else provides a wonderful display of veggies, salads, and desserts.

On Thanksgiving the hall, preheated, opens at 3 p.m., and dinner is served at 4 p.m. Bring your own tableware, cold beverage and an appetite. Everyone is welcome.