I'll be returning to my home state of MA this fall for a wedding. I haven't been back in 15 years. I don't recall , when I left, that wildlife was such a problem. Relatives have been telling stories for the last 5 or so years of coyotes, moose and bear in town.

This week, my SIL observed a mama bear and cub rooting through their (as yet unplanted) garden. The bears then tore down a birdfeeder and gobbled up 10 pounds of sunflower seeds. She kept inside and watched from the window while they crossed the street into the neighbors yard. She didn't freak until she saw the mama stand up and attempt to enter the neighbors shed, using the doorknob!

I am ok with the occasional copperhead and black widow that is part of life in Alabama. For the most part, they stay outside and leave us alone. I do not like the idea of larger animals roaming freely through my yard. Here, so far, the big beasties stay up in the hills and leave us alone.

Anyone else experiencing wildlife at a closer than comfortable distance?

These types of wildlife encounters are increasing all over the country. More and more housing in previously rural areas and a decrease in habitat have the critters adapting to the changes.

I also believe that a decrease in hunting pressure (politically incorrect, fewer rural residents, greater restrictions) in many areas have allowed wildlife populations to grow from where they were 10-15 years ago.

Didn't you see Over the Hedge? That bear was scary!

Bears have become a somewhat regular occurance in Worcester as well and some, like this one, http://www.bears.org/pipermail/bearf...ne/000816.html manage to make their way to quite populated areas. Most appear on the fringes of the city where there are substantial wooded areas and reservoirs. Coyotes and foxes are common, moose less so, raccoons and skunks of course are everywhere - including in my trash/recycling if I don't use ammonia.

from one w/a boston accent, wouldn't a better title for the thread be bayahs?

ok, off to the penalty box

Dupe. Sorry.

Since the encounter in the OP took place in the Berkshires, "bears" remains the correct title. Bayahs become bears somewhere in between Woostah and Springfield, possibly just beyond Sturbridge. Someone needs to install a marker on the Mass Pike.

And put Yankee hats on the heads of those west of the marker.

fwiw, I might put the marker right about Chicopee.

Unless they're (transplanted) Chicago Bears! (Maybe it's their summer home! )

But BamaVol, don't you know that if you're from Worcester, you pronounce it "Wista"?

Rita

Point 1: ^ - although there are a fair number of Sox fans in the Pioneer Valley. I put it down to the evil influence of so called institutions of higher learning. Their presence has diluted the pure blood of western Mass with lib'ruls and other self-annointed elitists from the east. Fortunately, the mountains have buffered the westermost county from such poisonous rubbish.

Point 2: Too far west. As someone who has lived in Pittsfield, Lenox, Westfield, West Springfield, Springfield, Longmeadow, East Longmeadow, Belchertown and Waltham, I would place it no further west than Palmer.

Sorry, Rita, never spent much time in Wista - although I do recall a few clubs that I was dragged into. But let us never speak of that (in the presence of Mrs BamaVol).

Not much there on first look, although there are a few good restaurants around the city.

But it's clearly not a destination.
R.

Is this a compliment? Gotta lift some rocks to see some life.

Agreed and if you like classical music, Mechanics Hall is a wonderful place to see a concert http://www.mechanicshall.org/


Well the MA Democrats are making it a destination this weekend and from what I hear all the hotels are sold out all the way to Upton. I have to agree with you, however, it is hardly a destination but it is an ok place to stop for school on the way to life - and if you focused on family, it is a pretty decent place to raise kids - assuming you are in the right neighborhoods.