Despite various measures to scare away the bear, he came back last night and got into the garage at our guest cabin where the trash from the previous guests was stored waiting for trash day. The measures included talk radio playing in there, rags soaked in ammonia, and cayenne pepper scattered around.

This is what a bear did to the garage door a few years ago. It might have been the same bear, or a close relative.



I'm very grateful that last night the rebuilt door didn't get damaged because it wasn't locked: the bear was able to shake it open. Yes, he got into the trash and scattered it around the back yard, but no permanent damage to structures.

The current guests over there are from North Platte, Nebraska, and he's over the moon because he's always wanted to match wits with the bears. They always bring bear spray and a couple of years ago the son-in-law decided to try some on himself to see what it's like. I gave him the shotgun loaded with rubber buckshot that came from the Parks and Wildlife people, and he hung a bucket of empty beer cans from the door latch so if the bear returns it will make a noise and he can pop out there with the shotgun. They parked their cars out of the way to avoid collateral damage. They are going be disappointed if the bear is off on his rounds and doesn't get back here during their stay. He was here at 10 last night - that's when they heard a noise (I was gone) - so he might come back around that time tonight.

I've got game cameras set up in a couple of places - it'd be nice to get a photo of this bear that's been pestering us all summer.