Almost all laughing aside a bear of any size can potentially inflict some serious damage.
I knew a guy once, got bitten in the hand and spent most of year recovering from the infection.
But what might be a bigger mystery than why the bear attacked or nibbled you, is why is the state of California keeping your britches??? I mean it's not like they are compiling a case against this individual bear. Do they expect the bear to end up in court and need this evidence to convince the jury of a pattern of bad behavior? Oh, come on Fish and Game give the lady her pants back. They are depriving you of essential story telling opportunities each time you are out in the woods and encounter someone who asks are those Rip Stop?
May 9, 2023·edited May 9, 2023Liked by Holly Heyser
Talk about wild encounters! This whole thing is so incredible (and your post made me snort my coffee). My jumbled thoughts --
- I'm so glad you weren't seriously hurt!!
- poor baby bear. I know we can't know for sure if her behavior was due to being fed, but more than ever I feel like we've GOT to make outdoor education a school requirement. We badly need a whole generation of kids who can be like DAD! PICK UP YOUR TRASH AND DON'T FEED THE BEAR!
- I am very grateful for the revelation about the rabies shots. I've always been way more scared of getting the shots than of getting bitten by something. I feel slightly less terrified now.
- seriously, this bear cub looks UNCANNILY like Paddington Bear. (Well, except for the ginormous claws.) Which is weirdly fitting, since the Paddington movies are beyond surreal. This is premise material for the threequel right here.
- or, if not, well, you know Rule 34 -- "if you can think of it, there's porn of it"? someone, somewhere, is probably reading this post like "holy shit, this is a GREAT premise for our next skin flick!"
And if I'd known the rabies shots were not that bad, I would've started them Sunday. I mean, not fun - no shots are - but not the nightmare I've always assumed.
If I could afford the $500 ER bill for the rabies shots, pretty sure I can afford the replacement BDUs, lol. (ER because it was really late in the day when we finally decided to go for it and I didn't want to put it off).
You have now experienced something that almost no other hunter (mushroom or otherwise) ever will... you survived a bear attack. I'll be looking for the abbreviated and illustrated version of your story in Outdoor Life.
Totally get the urge. But everyone is telling me that bites to the hands are REALLY bad, and I don't doubt that a wild bear would perceive that reach as a threat (or in this one's case, a granola bar) and bite you.
Yes! My go-to pants. Sturdy, lots of pockets, cheap, and they work with my figure (most women's pants don't). Every time I look into fancy upland pants, I realize they don't beat my BDUs.
Almost all laughing aside a bear of any size can potentially inflict some serious damage.
I knew a guy once, got bitten in the hand and spent most of year recovering from the infection.
But what might be a bigger mystery than why the bear attacked or nibbled you, is why is the state of California keeping your britches??? I mean it's not like they are compiling a case against this individual bear. Do they expect the bear to end up in court and need this evidence to convince the jury of a pattern of bad behavior? Oh, come on Fish and Game give the lady her pants back. They are depriving you of essential story telling opportunities each time you are out in the woods and encounter someone who asks are those Rip Stop?
Seriously glad you are okay!
Great story!!
I actually think I'm getting my pants back, with a little fabric cut out!
Well, put a cool patch on that spot with a bear!
Will DEFINITELY do something fun with the pants!
Talk about wild encounters! This whole thing is so incredible (and your post made me snort my coffee). My jumbled thoughts --
- I'm so glad you weren't seriously hurt!!
- poor baby bear. I know we can't know for sure if her behavior was due to being fed, but more than ever I feel like we've GOT to make outdoor education a school requirement. We badly need a whole generation of kids who can be like DAD! PICK UP YOUR TRASH AND DON'T FEED THE BEAR!
- I am very grateful for the revelation about the rabies shots. I've always been way more scared of getting the shots than of getting bitten by something. I feel slightly less terrified now.
- seriously, this bear cub looks UNCANNILY like Paddington Bear. (Well, except for the ginormous claws.) Which is weirdly fitting, since the Paddington movies are beyond surreal. This is premise material for the threequel right here.
- or, if not, well, you know Rule 34 -- "if you can think of it, there's porn of it"? someone, somewhere, is probably reading this post like "holy shit, this is a GREAT premise for our next skin flick!"
I want royalties!
And if I'd known the rabies shots were not that bad, I would've started them Sunday. I mean, not fun - no shots are - but not the nightmare I've always assumed.
Holly,
You are my newest hero!
A California Black Bear attack survivor! Thank you for a wonderful adventure and read.
I think the rabies shots required more bravery than the attack, but I will happily accept your adoration!
Awesome post Holly. Glad you survived the darling encounter.
If cute could kill...
Holy crap! Quite the story with a happy (ish) ending...
Yes, but not TOO happy, lol.
I won't start it, but if somebody else wants to start a funding page to replace your pants, I'll kick in my share.
If I could afford the $500 ER bill for the rabies shots, pretty sure I can afford the replacement BDUs, lol. (ER because it was really late in the day when we finally decided to go for it and I didn't want to put it off).
Yeah, put off the pants, not the treatment. Puncture wounds can be serious, even if the wound is worthy of a joke.
Yep, I'm old enough to be WELL aware of my mortality!
You have now experienced something that almost no other hunter (mushroom or otherwise) ever will... you survived a bear attack. I'll be looking for the abbreviated and illustrated version of your story in Outdoor Life.
I really am curious to know how rare it is to be attacked by a baby bear. I was just so SURPRISED!
Poor thing! I hope they can help her out and not need to euthanize. Did they say if they would ever update you on if they find her?
Yep, I'm staying in touch with the warden. I still wanna hug that little thing.
I can lie to myself all day and say I wouldn't have snuck a head pat in on it...
Totally get the urge. But everyone is telling me that bites to the hands are REALLY bad, and I don't doubt that a wild bear would perceive that reach as a threat (or in this one's case, a granola bar) and bite you.
Wow! Glad you came across the ranger to check things out! And what an encounter with that youngster! That will be a memory of a lifetime!
The bonus for me, the BDU link you posted…they look like they could be great hot weather upland hunting pants…are they?
Yes! My go-to pants. Sturdy, lots of pockets, cheap, and they work with my figure (most women's pants don't). Every time I look into fancy upland pants, I realize they don't beat my BDUs.