I read in the local community paper that two black bear had been hit in June trying to cross I-83 a few miles from my home. We have yet to see a bear in the yard, or on the deck at the seed feeders, but it is only a matter of time.
Curiously this spring saw more varied wildlife in the yard than usual, not just deer eating the tops off all the Hosta and the fox who likes to walk nonchalantly up the driveway, but lately wild turkey. I take that as a sign of some healthy woods around us.
Speaking of fishing, I am reminded of a story
Ah, fish stories.
Two friends who fancied themselves fishermen, despite no trip companion ever once seeing them catch a single fish, hiked off to try their luck at the pool below a small drop. They were gone for hours, and when they returned one was soaking wet and they told the following tale.
They had caught fish. Lots of fish. An entire stringer full. Proof of their angling prowess at last.
As they were getting ready to head proudly back to camp Friend A unhooked the stringer from the bank, whereupon a large snapping turtle pulled the entire thing from his hand.
Whereupon Friend B helpfully yelled Get
the stringer, get the stringer, and Friend A valiantly but fruitlessly dove into the pool to try to wrest their prize away.
Despite selling this tale quite convincingly, and the sodden saturation of Friend A, doubts remained and were repeatedly expressed.
Uh huh, sure. So you fell in the water and then what happened?