Black bear has dinner in Morgan yard

By STACY MILLBERG - Staff Writer - smillberg@starbeacon.com
Star Beacon

October 06, 2008 11:04 pm

— MORGAN TOWNSHIP — Roberta Hall and Randy Clark seem to have a regular visitor to their property on Switzer Road.
For the third time in a month’s time, a black bear has wandered into their backyard to have a bite to eat out of their many animal feeders. The bear’s most recent visit occurred Friday evening at about 5.
“He was just eating,” Clark said. “He sat there eating out of the bird feeder for about 20 minutes before pulling it down.”
Clark said the bear is not at all aggressive, but very alert.
“His ears are constantly moving,” he said.
Clark said there are several animal feeders on his property where deer, turkeys and birds feed throughout the year. The couple has had as many as 50 turkeys at one time on their property and Clark said the deer activity is now starting to increase this time of year.
The couple lives on 11 acres of land, which is surrounded by woods.
“We love our critters,” Clark said.
Clark estimates the bear to be between 150 and 200 pounds. It is a young male bear that stands about 5- to 6-feet tall. Clark said he did not cause any disturbance to his property aside from tearing down the bird feeder.
“The bird feeder has a lifetime replacement, so I’m OK with it,” he said.
Hall videotaped the bear for about 30 minutes Friday. The bear was also reportedly seen at Hemlock Springs Golf Course about two weeks earlier.
“We just want people to be aware and not scared,” Clark said. “Respect the animal for what he is and everyone should be OK.”

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