Hi, I have noticed some big scat around my house lately. I live in an apple orchard and right now there are a lot of drops under the trees. In the past I have seen many deer, some coyotes, rabbit, foxes, various birds, cats etc. I have 2 dogs and we don't see any wandering dogs near us. 3 years ago one of the orchard workers saw a small bear but I did not personally see it.
A few days ago I noticed a huge pile in the driveway well outside our invisible dog fence. It was bigger than human sized. This morning I saw a big one (but not as big as a few days ago) in the driveway right near the house. The dogs were going crazy to be let out and when I let them out they patrolled along the invisible fence and sniffed everything.
I took a picture of it next to a ruler, it is about 8" long and probably has apples in it. I am thinking bear based on some internet pictures and a hunter at work. I can upload the picture but I didn't do that right off as it is not real pleasant to look at.
So, does this sound like a bear and if so if I actually see it in my yard would it be legal or even advisable to shoot it ?
I am far enough from the road or other houses as far as those laws go. Just wondering about bears and if they would pose a danger to the family or dogs.
Also wondering about coyotes. I haven't seen one in a few years but twice I have seen them in the yard around dawn.
I should note that we keep the dogs in at night and when we are not home.
Thanks for any advice.
A few days ago I noticed a huge pile in the driveway well outside our invisible dog fence. It was bigger than human sized. This morning I saw a big one (but not as big as a few days ago) in the driveway right near the house. The dogs were going crazy to be let out and when I let them out they patrolled along the invisible fence and sniffed everything.
I took a picture of it next to a ruler, it is about 8" long and probably has apples in it. I am thinking bear based on some internet pictures and a hunter at work. I can upload the picture but I didn't do that right off as it is not real pleasant to look at.
So, does this sound like a bear and if so if I actually see it in my yard would it be legal or even advisable to shoot it ?
I am far enough from the road or other houses as far as those laws go. Just wondering about bears and if they would pose a danger to the family or dogs.
Also wondering about coyotes. I haven't seen one in a few years but twice I have seen them in the yard around dawn.
I should note that we keep the dogs in at night and when we are not home.
Thanks for any advice.