Have you had a bear sighting at your house? This is the time of year that bears are waking up from hibernation. As one would expect after a whole winter with nothing to eat, they are ravenous. Many bears have figured out that human neighborhoods are a good source of easy food. Some of their favorite snacking grounds are garbage cans, bird feeders (especially suet feeders) and dog and cat food bowls. Also fruit, nuts and berries are liked by bears. I had a sweet cherry tree that particularly attracted the bears in early June.
In the Charlottesville, Albemarle County area of Virginia where I live, bear sightings are frequent in Free Union and Crozet. But just because you don't live in one of the sections close to the mountains don't think that you can't have an occasional visit by a hungry bear. They have been spied in closein neighborhoods such as Carrsbrook as well.
If you have been visited by a bear, just remove the food source, such as keeping your garbage inside, and they will move on to easier pickings. Also don't forget if you see a cub, mom won't be far behind. You never want to get between a mama bear and her cub!
I love living in the Albemarle County area where we can still experience nature and a bear sighting is a cause for wonder.
Pam Dent, e-PRO, SRES
Real Estate III
Charlottesville, Virginia
www.JumpintoGreenerPastures.com
www.Charlottesville.virginiablogpage.com
