Would this bear encounter make YOU nervous?

[woodman]

No.  Looks like a yearling......no mother around.

I would guess that this cub was between 15" and 18" tall. I think it was this years cub and would have a hard time defending itself in the woods. I thought that cubs stayed with their mothers until breeding season the following year. Maybe someone could enlighten me on this. I really don't know for sure, thanks.

[rasbo]

No.  Looks like a yearling......no mother around.

I would guess that this cub was between 15" and 18" tall. I think it was this years cub and would have a hard time defending itself in the woods. I thought that cubs stayed with their mothers until breeding season the following year. Maybe someone could enlighten me on this. I really don't know for sure, thanks.

this yrs cub Joe,momma wasnt far behind or ahead  the little boogers grow fast..same size as the two momma was swatting when I couldnt get my gun out of the holster

[87Ford]

Black bear cubs are born in February which makes them approx 6 months old when that first August hunting season rolls around.  They are definately with their mother that first August and den with their mother their first winter.  The following August hunting season puts them at 18 months old and in the yearling age class.  They are now on their own and not very wise.  The question is...  is that little bear 6 months old with mother lurking in the brush or 18 months old and on his own for the first time.  I don't know for sure, but it appears to be a yearling to me in which case he is on his own.  I've had two incounters just like this since August first.  Both yearlings walked out of the brush and across the logging road never paying me any attention...not very wise.  Cool experiences though.   

[runamuk]

Well I ran across one a bit bigger than that I was alone had a 410 with some #6 shot for grouse....instead of quietly minding his bizness the little fuzzball caught sight of me freaked out ran squalling up a tree in my direction.....my heart was pounding so hard and the little *censored* would not shut up....I had to walk where he had come from to get to my rig never saw or heard mama I actually think now that the one I ran into had recently left mama bear he was probably 70-80 lbs ish.... just seeing one quietly going about its business is kinda cool but mama is a worry to me.....

nice pic though.....

[Kain]

Judging by the space of the tire tracks in the road that looks like a very small bear. 

A yearling cub will be much bigger than that...I think.  I am no expert on judging bears though.


New cubs

Yearlings still with momma.  I dont think the sows run them off until they are ready to breed again. 

[rasbo]

its not uncommon for cubs to hang out with ma for 2 yrs some as long as three but rare....she wont give them the boot till she wants to breed...one thing cool about baiting bears was you could sit and watch the difference in bears and some cool behaviors at close range.should have blown a call Joe,,that can get real exciting in a hurry this one below is a 18 month or 19 month old bear

[woodman]

its not uncommon for cubs to hang out with ma for 2 yrs some as long as three but rare....she wont give them the boot till she wants to breed...one thing cool about baiting bears was you could sit and watch the difference in bears and some cool behaviors at close range.should have blown a call Joe,,that can get real exciting in a hurry this one below is a 18 month or 19 month old bear

I thought about the call thing this morning and agree that it might have gotten to be a lot of fun real quick. I was not hunting, so I really was not prepared for a charging, mad mother. I do feel lucky to see all of the bears that I do see though. Starting this weekend I will be armed and have my calls and would love to see one of the big boars that I have seen earlier this year.

I appreciate everyone's responses and love learning from others experiences and knowledge.

[CAMPMEAT]

Funbags assisted
[/quote

Coffee bags full..........

[BOWHUNTER45]

I wish he would change his aviator picture so I can relax ....GEEEEEEEEZ MAN 

[rasbo]

I wish he would change his aviator picture so I can relax ....GEEEEEEEEZ MAN 

maybe this is easier on ya

[BOWHUNTER45]

I wish he would change his aviator picture so I can relax ....GEEEEEEEEZ MAN 

maybe this is easier on ya

  yeah now I am running ...she looks mean but the other I may just let her kill me 

[b.roberts]

I like the other avatar much better.

[danrabe]

Seeing a young bear always makes me more cautious, I wouldnt say nervous...but cautious.  I had an encounter up in Alaska on one of the long hikes I do to get away from everyone.  This little guy popped out in front of me while fishing.  He was standing at the only place I could cross the creek.  The .41 was in the bottom of my bag (smart move), so my cousin and I decided it was time to take a break for about an hour before he moved along a little ways.  Never did see momma bear, but I'm sure she was around somewhere.

[CAMPMEAT]

No.

[ML_Hunter]

Several years ago...about in 2001 time frame, I was hiking with the boy scout troop and myself and fellow hunter were the two oldest scouts so we took the lead with our parental advisers in the rear of the group ensure no scout fell too far behind.  Will and I were the only two hunters in the group although we all enjoyed the outdoors.  During this hike in the Olympic Mountains, two bear cubs were playing on the trail, when I first spotted them they were about 50 yards out and I stopped in my tracks, then Will saw them and we turned our fellow hikers around and backtracked about 1/4 mile stopped and all took a break.  Some of the younger scouts wanted to take a closer look when we told them why we turned the troop, but thankfully the parents were on the side of myself and Will.  We continued the hike after about an hours break and Will and I were on edge for sure.  Never really got nervous, but deffently cautious!  Very cool sight tho and something I will never forget!