We live in upstate N.Y. we get them in our yard from time to time. Never really afraid, just leave them alone.. When I was a kid we knew a guy who had a camp in Newcomb..There was an old dump up there where people would go to watch the bears forage..Vern was part Blackfoot Indian..He gave me a picture which is lost to time of himself holding food over his head in his hand ( he was 6 Foot 4 inches tall ) while the black bear had his front paws on Vern's shoulders eating the food. He said " Their nothing but a big a dog ".. He said if the bear acted up he would swat them in the nose.. I always thought he was crazy. He lived to be a real old man, the bears never hurt him.. Mountain lions have been spotted too,.those are different story.
Until 2021 only black bear I’ve seen was on SUNY ESF property in Newcomb while in college mid-80’s..
I’m in central NY. First day of southern zone deer season 2021 I’m 95% sure I had a couple cubs come screaming through woods 40 yards from my back door.
Circled a big sugar maple and there were no tails on two black critters. Just glimpses in the low brush, but guessing 100 pounds each when they went around the tree.
Neat sight! Wish I got a better look.
Getting so hearing Fishers at night is common. They’re a potentially nasty animal for pets and farm animals.
Been several Mountain Lion sightings in our area also. I’m not sold they’re valid, but starting to be a believer.
Got a great look at two bobcat kittens roadside few years ago. Maybe 10 pounds. Little tykes but looked good. Cute as hell.