Bears a persistent problem for some homeowners

WSLS 10
Published: May 20, 2008

It’s 3:15 a.m. and this is a mighty big bump in the night.  A six foot tall black bear trips the motion sensor. The light hits the bear’s snout. The bear paws at the window.

It wasn’t the burglar Judy Bates expected but she should have.  Three and a half years ago she was showing us her shredded screen, after another bear paid her a visit.

Judy’s trash can has been knocked over by a bear six times in the last two weeks.  A cheese package, a dog food bag and a soft drink cup smelled like a bear buffet.  Even though Game and Inland Fisheries asked her to take her trash inside,  she says she doesn’t want it in her house.

In an email last week to the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries Bates says quote, “I understand the need to respect bear habitat and lifestyle however, my concern is that we balance that with respect for human life and habitat as well.“

“We’re doing all we can do.“, says Conservation Police Officer Greg Funkhouser.  “It’s impossible for us to come out and get rid of all the bears.  This is where they live.“

The name of the neighborhood says it all. Laurel Woods is right next to the 7,000 acre Havens Wildlife Management Area.

“I love living in the woods and you expect critters.“, says Penny Tate-Shores.

It was getting dark when Penny Tate-Shores says she, “... heard a noise and went out to investigate and I see a big black bear.“

Penny tells us after eighteen years here, she wouldn’t think of moving but the uninvited guest is keeping her welcome ones away.

“No one will come to my house at night.“, says Tate-Shores.  “They come and say come and get me the bear might be outside.“

So despite the leftovers,  living in this neighborhood isn’t always a picnic at least on trash day.