This morning was part 2 of the Grade 5 bear watching experience... though since the massive amount of snow we had this winter is lingering well down the mountain, there are actually more bears hanging out in places like the golf courses and our front yard than there are on the slopes.
Nevertheless, we spotted this handsome fellow striding across a ski run / meadow:
Our local bear expert and tour guide, Michael Allen, believes him to be one of the largest bears in the valley, second only to his massive father, Slumber.
Panting a little on the warm day, he appeared to be heading for a cool stream on the other side of the run.
To the delight of the class, he paused to relieve himself just before disappearing over the crest of the hill. I'm afraid I missed that particular photo-op, but in answer to the age-old question "does a bear s**t in the woods?" I have to say that I have only ever seen their scat in meadows and the middle of trails, usually those which are fairly open and well-travelled. It's purely anecdotal, of course, but they seem to show little inclination to disappear discretely into the bushes!
Did you share with the class the yarn-dyeing opportunities presented by bear poop?
Posted by: Judy G. | 09/06/2011 at 08:13 AM
I hope we get to see this majestic looking fellow sometim when we visit Whistler.
Posted by: Sheila | 09/06/2011 at 03:32 PM
Wow! Great pics, Ruth. He IS a big looking boy...he looks much 'rounder' than last year's bear watching specimen. What a fantastic field trip for the kids...and a total bonus to have him poop, too!! :)
Posted by: Kerri | 09/06/2011 at 10:01 PM
Maybe bears are afraid they might run across a human in the bushes!!!!!!!
Posted by: Deb | 14/06/2011 at 10:54 AM