My partner and I were walking out around 830 last night and happened upon a fairly big black bear on the carriage trail. He was harmless and was just scoping out the garbage cans next to the bathrooms. As soon as he saw us he went down hill and away from us but for those of you who have dogs that you bring climbing with you just be careful and consider keeping them on leash.
Lots of bears being seen this past few years. This year there has been a mama with two cubs spotted a few times, I believe using the wooded section between the Overcliff Road and Split Rock.
Last year a small adult bear was often seen in the Split Rock area and one day even wandered right out of the woods by the trailhead booth and into the south/west side of the parking area. I watched as it did so, meandering amongst cars, but not as if thinking about gaining access, more like just more used to the human environment than one would like to see. Saw that bear(or maybe another) several times over the following month.
I am sure *most* people know the following, but just in case: - not to feed bears, intentionally or unintentionally - not to try to get close to a bear when spotted - be especially aware when seeing a cub and avoiding coming closer or getting between mom and cub
The bears on the ridge are still, for the most part, afraid of humans, and are not used to connecting humans with junk food food(from a bear's perspective). There is plenty for them to eat in nature, thanks to the land preservation efforts. They are beautiful to see and appreciate, but best to allow them their space.
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