Spring is nice and all but I've wasted much more time than was necessary practicing being big and loud in case of encountering a bear on a trail.

I won't get my time spent doing that back and you won't get your time reading this comment back. We've all lost.

Don’t sell yourself short… this comment was a good read 👍🏼

That's a chunky fella considering its the spring.

I'm right by there...better keep an eye on my bird feeder!

Hefty blackbird

That's a big bird

That was my thought. He’s well fed

"Greetings! Please toss me out a nice big piece of meat, I'm not that picky"

Mild winter maybe?

Me and a couple of my friends encountered one last week in Norvin Green State Forest. Right in the middle of our trail. Just kept a distance, stayed quiet and after a couple minutes, it looked at us once an walked off the trail. My friends nearly shit their pants

Poor thing looks embarrassed.

Well, I guess it's time to start bringing the garbage out 15 minutes before pickup time again.

that's crazy. Then again you're talking to someone that gets a little nervous when a deer is close by

I know you're generally better off safe than sorry, but black bears are really not something to worry about. They almost always run away well before you see them, and if they do stick around, they are usually just curious and leave shortly after they get a good look at you. The exception is a mother with cubs, but the cubs are usually very vocal and it's hard to just walk up on them for that reason.

A can of bear mace will serve you better than just randomly yelling the whole time you're hiking.

This is why I gave up on bird feeders. We have a bear or two in the neighborhood and there are usually cubs every spring.

Wow!!! I've enjoyed your pictures and comments about the area. I just came in from some garden work and the deer helpfully removed all the hyacinth. I'm glad no bears...yet.

Bear mace is illegal to purchase in NJ. The little cans available are not suitable for a bear.

Big boy

I genuinely thought that the birdfeeder was a bag with cocaine in it for a second.

Lol little bigger this year

He’s disappointed someone didn’t fill the feeder

These guys are like big racoons. They want sweets and LOVE bird seed.

And thanks 😎✌🏽

Im not tryna catch ticks bro. You right to be scared

That fatty didn't go to bed.

"Ha they're all going to sleep, I'm gonna stay up and eat ALL the garbage all winter"

When it comes to hazards in the woods, ticks are way worse than black bears.

regardless of whether is "illegal" or not... they sell it at Costco.. they sell it at Ramsey outdoor.. and as an avid hiker/backpacker/outdoorsman I will tell you that i am always carrying it when i go (deep) into the woods. No cop is going to give a shit.

It's a backup that you 99% will never have to use. Bears, especially deep in the woods, do not want to interact with humans. Only time you ever might have an issue is if you have food on you. Regardless, as long as you don't spray a person, you're never going to have to answer to the law about it.

Chonky boy

Honestly I am more frightened of the deer! They are MEAN. Black Bears just want to live their lives.

Omg BIG GUY