Sixty people packed the Orange Town House for a potluck and a talk by noted bear expert Ben Kilhan last night. We learned several things:
- Bears don't have long-range sounds like other animals. Instead, they communicate with long-range smells and a special organ that detects smells.
- "If you want a bear on your roof, put a bird feeder up there."
- Bears have their own sense of justice. Feeding them is like a contract. If you break it, they will punish you or your yard.
- If a bear mock charges, stand your ground and back off slowly, speaking quietly. Bears are very good at reading your signals.
- Bears are coming out of their dens now, eating grasses and the buds of trees like beeches.
- Bears are highly social animals; even the males form pairs or groups, in part to keep from being chased off by territorial females.
The event was arranged by the Orange Conservation Commission, chaired by Scott Lurgio. Pictures below. Click for full images.
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