Barney the Bear in Ptown and Beyond

"Barney" the Bear

So there has been a lot of talk about a black bear being in Provincetown.  My Facebook page has been exploding with pictures, news stories, eyewitness accounts, and the sharing of the posted picture.  BTW, the photo has been photoshopped for all of you who have never climbed or seen the Pilgrim Monument.  "Barney" as he is being called would be making national news if he was that big.  If you want to follow the status of this Cape Cod Bear, click here:  Cape Cod Bear on Facebook

I no longer live in the tiny fishing village, but have been amused no less.  I live in Los Osos (spanish for The Bears) and we have not had a sighting here for quite a long time.  I am fortunate to live here and see a bear every time I arrive or exit the area as there are two statues of a bear at the entry to this unincorporated seaside town.  We also have many murals and statues around the area showcasing the namesake.  My favorite are the two that are decorated depending on the holiday or happening in the local area; Graduation Caps currently, Flags for the 4th, Bonnets for Mothers Day, etc.

I stopped at one of these a few years back and tried to take a picture of Luther and the Bear.  Sun wasn't right, camera was off and I was afraid of the constant flow of traffic as it was near 5:00 PM and there was a steady stream of commuters.  I never used the picture, but thought that it may be appropriate while Barney is in the news.

Luther and the Los Osos Bear

Luther and the Los Osos Bear (2)

Luther and the Los Osos Bear (3)

As we plan our trip to Alaska and Canada this Summer, we are to be on the lookout for bears.  We saw a number of them last year, crossing the highway.  One set was a Mama Bear with her cubs.  Too cute! There was another town we stopped in that celebrated bears, Revelstoke, BC Canada.  They too had many statues.  Two of them where at the entrance of the downtown area.

Revelstoke, BC Plaque

Revelstoke Grizzly and Cub with Tom

Revelstoke Grizzly

I have learned that Black Bears may be brown and Grizzly Bears may be black.  Grizzly (or brown bears) have a snout while Black Bears have a more roman nose.  Both are usually more afraid of you than you are of them.  Word to the wise...If you see one, don't approach.  If, by a long shot, they charge, pretend you are dead and curl up in a ball.  They like living prey, especially in the summer months were food is plenty.  If by chance you see a Polar Bear in winter, good luck!  He's Hungry!