Black flies getting you down? Sick of the pollen that’s making your allergies act up? Well, things could be worse: You could have bears in your bacon. Earlier this week I was reminded of the fact that our state’s bear population has emerged from dens, and are looking for some chow. A reader wrote to tell me of her family’s bear problem — it seems a bruin she calls “Bruno” has figured out that there’s often good food in the freezer in the garage. So far, Bruno has stolen a ham, some apple slices and a bunch of bacon. So here’s the message for the day: Don’t waste bacon on bears! It’s far too tasty! But seriously, it is time to think about moving your bird feeders and other bear attractants inside, away from hungry bears. Remember: Bruno is watching. And sniffing. It’s up to you to discourage him from stopping by for a visit.
— John Holyoke
Got fish? You will soon: Maine’s spring stocking effort underway
Brianna Pelkie was only trying to help, but the bucketful of frisky landlocked salmon didn’t see it that way.
“Thanks for giving me a bath, fish,” the fisheries technician for the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife said as she lifted her five-gallon pail and received a tail-flapping, water-flinging greeting from the fish it held.
One fish got exactly what it sought … for a moment: Freedom.
Legislature overrides LePage’s veto on moose permit transfers
The Maine Legislature on Tuesday unanimously voted in both the House and the Senate to override Gov. Paul LePage’s veto of a bill that will allow the transfer of a moose permit to a hunter’s family member in certain circumstances.
Gear bag: A bicycle tire repair kit to keep you rolling
Each week the BDN Maine Outdoors team takes a look at different gear you might need for your next outdoor adventure. For this week’s Gear Bag, we looked at the Giant quick fix bicycle repair kit.
Blog log
Act Out with Aislinn: 1-minute paddle: Jones Pond in Gouldsboro
Join Aislinn and Derek on a paddle of the 467-acre Jones Pond, where they run into a “turtle party,” a pair of loons and a nesting goose, among other things.
Out There: Presque Isle bear raids freezer, gobbles bacon, apples
“There was a pile of garbage under a pine tree by our deck that turned out to be five packages of bacon and a three-pound bag of Easter ham, all torn apart and eaten. We decided that ‘Bruno’ was back at it, or [nighttime freezer raids] ran in the family and it was one of his kids.”
An editorial comment: In addition to a powerful snout, the bear has good taste. Bacon? Ham? Sign me up!
On the horizon
Coming up, BDN reporter Aislinn Sarnacki will be writing about the programs Maine Winter Sports Center is offering this summer in an effort to boost outdoor sports throughout the state. She also plans to write about her recent move from a bustling city to the woods, and all the challenges and joys that have come with it.
BDN Outdoor editor John Holyoke plans to tell some tales from turkey hunting season, which will be over before you know it. And he’s been visiting the nearby rivers a lot lately, so it’s possible he’ll have a few fishing tales as well.
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