Did I see a BEAR?

[oxankle]

I set some drop lines night before last and went to check them about daybreak yesterday.   A total waterhaul, nothing, so I wound up my lines and started back. I had not gone far when something dashed across the road ahead of me.  The animal was about the size of a large dog, black with heavy forequarters.  It did not run like a dog--it sort of galloped like a horse, but fast.  I thought "coyote" but even as I thought "No, bigger than a coyote" I realized the beast had no tail.      

I've never seen a bobcat so large, nor am I familiar with the lynx, but the general outline of the body struck me as more bobcat than bear.  But I've never seen a black bobcat either.  Could this have been a yearling bear?  I'm told there are a few in the area.

In other news, about a half mile from the house this afternoon I saw a pair of bob whites in the road.  First I've seen in ages.  More incentive to trap coons and other such varmints.

[bluemingidiot]

www.youtube.com/watch?v=KQNBNiXGMiA

[here to stay]

Pretty much the only part of a black bear I have ever seen in the real wild was the rear disappearing into brush. The other sightings were remarkable bold park bears. I have seen bear butts disappearing in town. So I could think it likely. The only other thing it might be is a dog with a docked tail but they don't have the lumbering, heavy roll of the bear.

[Deleted]

Tallpines, the bear climbing the kids rope ladder would have made a fantastic photo.

[ardiefromwi]

One day, a few years ago, I turned just at the right moment and saw a young bear by our mailbox. It turned and meandered down the road and no, I didn't follow it!

[oxankle]

Yo, Ardie!!!!!
Ox