• Friday-What'sUP June 2 - 05:05 pm

Now my first thought seeing the photos today, was that this was too close for comfort. But then of course I realized that Frederic W. Koski got this close to the bear(s) pictured, by using a telephoto lens. At least I hope that's how he did it!

Either way, we're zoomed in close enough to tell there's a nice sheen on his black, furry coat, so he must be in good shape and I'm guessing that it's a young bear, too. Black bears sure are interesting critters, especially from afar. This time of year, they're out in search of something to fill their tummies, until the wild berries begin to ripen. If you're out in the woods UP North, looking for mushrooms or just for a walk, stay alert so you don't come nose to nose with one of these guys.

How exciting to come across a bear like that. We've seen a couple out on the rice lake road. That was fun!! Was happy to be in the car though, that's for sure. Thanks for the awesome pictures.

Every time Bob & I go ATVing in northern Wisconsin, we are treated to get fairly close to Black Bears out on the trails!!

After a productive day of pike fishing way out at Schlatters Lake (via the pole line) we headed back to town. As we were walking and proceeding down the small path we heard rustling in the grass off to our side and we all visioned a black bear. As we cautiously moved forward, 22 BB gun cocked and at the ready, a small fawn dashed passed and we all breathed a large sigh of relief...I have Many other Schlatters Lake stories but that will have to wait for another day.

Happy Birthday Larry. I miss you.

We were leaving Lake of the Clouds, Porcupine Mt. and spotted a bear on the side of the road. It got sooo so close to the drivers side of the truck, that you can hear it breathing at it ate the grass. Bill had his window open. Took some movies and pictures. My first thought was to throw out something for it to eat but, we did not.

as it ate the grass. LOL.

When we lived in TN and often visited the Smokies, we usually always saw at least one black bear. They showed no fear of people but we stayed our distance.
Janie, love your Megabucks! ;)

It is always a thrill to come across a bear in the woods. You look at him and just know what he could do if he so chose. Thankfully, they usually just walk away. Awesome creatures. Great photos.

My Grandmother and her sister were picking thimbleberries up on the Garden City hill one quiet afternoon years ago. They each wandered off their own way. While my Grandmother was working her way around a large patch, she heard someone on the other side. Intent on picking all the ripe ones she could find, she kept her head down and started a conversation which proved to be one sided. As she rounded the patch, she found that her silent companion was not Aunt Kate, but a large black "person" staring at her while on all fours. She recalls there was a moment while they looked at each other, then my Grandmother yelled at the bear to go away, after which she retreated to her side of the patch with great alacrity. The bear also left the area. Being a true Yooper, Grandmother did not spill any berries.

LOL! Funny story, Paul, thanks for sharing it.:)

Remember going to the dumps to watch the bear? That was a biggy for us kids when we were little.

Two years ago we saw and heard one breathing as it ate the grass along the side of the Hunter's Point road near Copper Harbor. The little one that missed out on our grilled food also turned to grazing near the garage when I took the lamb burgers into the house. Fresh young grass must offer some benefits - maybe they just like a salad before the entree?

Good Morning. I love the closeups of the bear pictures this morning. Speaking of black bears, we need to be careful of them here in Michigan. One was spotted and trapped near I-75 in Bay County in April. They moved the bear, but not far enough, as a few days later, it was hit by a car and killed on I-75. Now, this week, another black bear has been spotted in Bay County. I haven't heard of any yet this year in Midland County, but I have in the last few years, especially around bird feeders and garbage cans out in the countryside. Moral of the story: at least in Michigan, pretty much where ever you are, you should be alert for them. (One was spotted near Lansing in the last couple of weeks, too.)

Hi
Years ago, my parents were camping, in their tent trailer, at Porcupine Mountains State Park. A tent trailer is off the ground, but just has canvas sides. In the night, my mom heard breathing and snuffling outside. She shook my dad and said "Bob! There's a bear outside!" He, only partially awake, and only aware that his wife seemed to be upset about something, drowsily replied "Oh, it'll come out in the wash."

A friend of mine was backpacking on the North Country Trail in the UP. He had strung his pack up between two trees, but in the middle of the night heard a bear tearing into his food. He came out of his tent screaming, and chased the terrified bear down the moonlit trail, hard on his furry heels. Then he came fully awake, stopped and thought, "What the heck am I doing?" The bear never came back, and he sat up all night shaking.

Therese - that story takes the cake! lol

Awesome pics! I had the same thought Mary! lol

Great pictures!

Does Fred have a website with his photos? I've looked at his
albums here and they are so beautiful.

Thanks everyone for the comments, a long lens is a good investment;)
No website yet Deidre, just here at pasty.