Sorry I've not been around the last couple of days. I've been in six states in six days with my band and it's been a busy time. We arrive home this afternoon though for almost two weeks, so that will be nice! This week's bear story comes to us from Donner Summit, CA - Rainbow Bridge, specifically - courtesy of Bill Robinson. It seems that this particular bear was walking across the bridge when he was startled by two cars also crossing and jumped over the edge.
Somehow he was able to catch himself on the ledge and pulled himself to safety.
When authorities arrived they decided that there was nothing they could do before the end of the day; when they returned the following morning they found the bear fast asleep on the ledge.
Once the secured a net under the bridge...
they tranquilized the bear, causing him to fall into the net...
and then lowered him to the ground...
where he walked out of the net safe and sound. Chalk another up for the California Wildlife Management Service!
Thanks all for your comments! I am enjoying these various bear stories too - I think it's because I feel a connection with bears for two reasons:
1. My sister has a rather "beary" nickname for me, and
2. My fondness of sleep and ability to sleep anytime and anywhere through anything has often drawn comparisons to a hibernating bear.
So there you go - there WILL be more bear stories!
Posted by: Jeremy | October 18, 2007 at 09:42 AM
It's amazing how ingenous the resuce was, and how strong that bear is to hold it's own and catch the ledge. I wonder if it would have survived the fall?
I guess bears, like babies, can sleep anywhere? Crazy.
Cool story.
Posted by: Melanie | October 17, 2007 at 05:58 PM
That is soo cool!
Posted by: Anon4him | October 16, 2007 at 02:46 PM
Bro...that's crazy! Glad your getting some down time...give me a shout, would love to by ya coffee...peace!
Posted by: Michael Farren | October 14, 2007 at 10:36 PM
Jeremy. . your bear stories are wildly amusing! Where do you get these things?! i don't know which i like, this one or the bear hanging from the clothesline? ha hahahahahaha!
Posted by: kathryn | October 11, 2007 at 08:17 PM
that is out of control!
i'm glad the little bear is safe & sound...
and that you boys get a little break at home!
have a fantasmo week.
Posted by: Cherylyn | October 11, 2007 at 11:22 AM
BTW, I appreciate your sensational headline. Nicely done!
Posted by: Carla | October 10, 2007 at 04:59 PM
The mother in me (ie, Me) feels sorry for the poor bear sleeping, all night on the little ledge... all alone... I wonder what they thought would happen the night they decided not to rescue it. Awww... Poor little bear. I'm glad they finally rescued it!
Posted by: Carla | October 10, 2007 at 04:59 PM