‘Goldilocks’ a good lesson for us all
Seeing a bear in our woods always makes me think of that story about Goldilocks and the three bears. On the bike trail between Ohiopyple and Confluence a few days ago, I encountered Momma Bear and two of her cubs. Last year on the trail section between Ohiopyle and Connellsville, I encountered a small cub and his mother. At home, we had to quit feeding the birds since the bears would get into the feeder and come up on the back deck of our home. Bear sightings are certainly on the increase.
I love to watch them and have always taken a position of caution with any encounters. When you see a little one there is a good chance momma or daddy is very close. After determining that a safe distance was involved, I just watched forgoing the opportunity for a picture.
Life in the woods is all about the encounter and not the picture. Just this morning, I was treated to several broods of young turkeys learning the ways of life with their mothers. A small turtle played hide and seek, and you could hear Woody Wood Pecker pounding for an early morning breakfast. But the real treat for the morning ride was an encounter with a Momma deer and her fawn. She and her little one had just crossed the trail in front of me. She stopped and turned her head just as I stopped and we just looked at each other for several minutes. While her little one moved ahead she stood firm occasionally stomping her foot and snorting. I am sure this was to let me know she was aware of my presence and to alert her little one of possible danger.
Early morning is my favorite time to be out on the bike trail. Today, I was able to ride 20 miles and only encountered one other person. By mid morning though, the trail was busy with families and bikers on their way to Pittsburgh or Cumberland.
If you plan to spend any time in the woods, caution with the animals is always important. A few weeks ago, I encountered a family pursuing what appeared to be a rattlesnake on the trail. Yes, we do have snakes, however, if you leave them alone they will not bother you. A few copperheads can occasionally be seen enjoying themselves in the sunshine on the rocks along the river.
Lastly, don鈥檛 forget to be cautious of the trees overhead. With all the rain of recent weeks, the ground is saturated and many of our trees are infected with the pine bark beetle and the emerald ash borer. Any sudden wind can cause branches and whole trees to topple. As more trees die this problem is going to get worse.
Let us remember that we are only visitors to these woods. Be safe, have a good encounter and remember the story of Goldilocks.