I’m delighted to be hosting #BlogFlash2012 – 30 Days, 30 Prompts 30 Posts.
If you’d like to jump on board, it’s not too late!
Don’t forget to leave your “Day Twenty Four” post link in the comments below so I can stop by!
#BlogFlash2012: Day Twenty Four – In the Woods
Alone in the woods behind our rented condo in northern New Hampshire, I encountered a black bear.
I was younger, in decent shape, and black bears are not aggressive-the last anyone was killed by a New Hampshire black bear was in 1784; still, I was scared. Earlier, Dave and I had spotted several cubs in the woods. I didn’t see any cubs now, but if they were nearby and this was their mother, I was in trouble.
When confronted by a bear, it’s best to back away slowly. For several long seconds, I stood, unable to move, watching her at the river. The bear turned, rising to her feet. She had to be six or seven feet tall.
When she made eye contact, I felt my pulse rise. Terrified, I took a wobbly step backward.
Bored, she turned away-her presence a stark reminder to respect the inhabitants of the woods.
Word count: 152
Sounds a frightening experience Terri.
You did well to keep such a level head.
Whew, that was close Terri. Saw one on a dirt road in Alaska; she did the same, thank goodness. :0)
Here's mine:
Geez, I'd have been a tad worried and scared too! Your last line is so true, we all need to respect the inhabitants of the woods, but nature as well.
Here's my link, complete with a pic or 3 to keep everyone happy, lol. http://wp.me/p1UhOl-ak
I'd have been scared too! Brilliantly told.
http://adrarasdreams.blogspot.co.uk/2012/08/blogf…
How terrifying! I know my mother encountered a black bear when she was pregnant with me in the woods and to this day it still gives her chills!
I love the line about respecting the inhabitants of the woods. It is such a good reminder.
I'm not sure why I have winter on my mind (Brrrr.) but here is my post for the day!
http://www.melinagillies.com/2/post/2012/08/blogf…
Nice post today! So tense!
Here's my day 24: http://christinakrieger.com/2012/08/24/blogflash-…
When I was a little girl I was petrified of bears. Now, I would fancy myself a bear whisperer! LOL
The worst I came face-to-face to in the woods was a deer…not really scary, just magical! No bears over here!
http://thelastkrystallos.blogspot.co.uk/2012/08/b…
That does sound magical, Lisa! I loved your post for "In the Woods" – I feel so hopeful for them!
Scary. I bear is BIG. Upright–even bigger. Good story.
Thank you so much, Elisabeth!
Cool, used to try and spot bears when were were kids.
I love your combination of the two prompts, Jean!
We've had scads of bear encounters during our years as campers! The most memorable when my sis took a bag of oreos to bed in the tent and we woke to the sound of a bear sniffing along the edge of the tent!! Fortunately, my aunt had left her ice cooler out, so he got up on the picnic table and ate all her cold groceries!!!
My link for the day is here: http://www.sweetbananaink.com/2012/08/24/blog-fla…
What a relief, Ruth! It's one thing to encounter a bear, quite another to encounter a hungry one!
AJ's alter ego as a bear is partially because I've always been intrigued by bear's behavior. They seem so relaxed, especially if we respect them and leave them alone.
http://runesandothersecrets.blogspot.com/2012/08/…
I agree, Heidi. They really are beautiful creatures!
I've been lucky – no bear encounters before! How terrifying for you though!
My post isn't so literal with the prompt, but we're inching towards the conclusion!
Hope you enjoy and drop a comment if you have time, Terri
http://dreaming-of-stories.blogspot.co.uk/2012/08…
I did enjoy it, Afsaneh! I thought it was a great way to use the prompt!
Wow. That's a bit scary! It's easy to say "do this, do that" but when in that situation who knows and I'd prob freeze too. Thanks for sharing.
http://40somethingundomesticateddevil.blogspot.co…
You're welcome, Lizzie! Thank you so much for the link!
Agressive or not, that would have been scary! Good on you for keeping your head.
My dark, fairy-tale-esque story for today is here:
http://lovethebadguy.wordpress.com/2012/08/25/day…
Thank you so much!
Yeah, I respect those critters, but it is important to keep in mind the scarcity of bear attacks. Much more dangerous driving a car.
In 2011, four people were killed by bears in North America and over 200 were killed by auto crashes with deer.
Fear the deer.
http://eightysixthepoet.blogspot.com/2012/08/blog…
I think both scenarios would fill me with fear! You're right, though – we face bigger risks every day and barely consider them!
Yikes! What an amazing sight though.
I finally got mine up for the day. http://librarygirlreads.blogspot.com/2012/08/in-w…
Oh absolutely, Angela! One I will never forget!
Day 24 already…only more 6 more days. I'm going to miss this!!
Here is my entry for Day 24- In the Woods
http://joykeeney.wordpress.com/2012/08/25/day-24-…
So am I, Joy! #BlogFlash2013 is currently being planned, though. It will be wonderful to run this again.
Thank you, David! It was pretty unsettling!
It's certainly a heart-stopping experience, isn't it? Thank you for the link, Donna!
Thank you for the link, Carlie! I loved the post!
Thank you, Elaine! I enjoyed your 'In the Woods' piece!
I'm certainly not surprised, Melina! I suspect her own protective instincts would have been in overdrive!
Thank you for the link, Christina!
I think I'll stick to backing away slowly, Julie!
A fantastic story, Terri. You handled yourself brilliantly. We've had a black bear roaming around our neck of the woods for years now. Once the bear mauled a neighbor's grill! One night, the bear decided to visit my friend and I while we were watching a DVD. From the corner of my eye, I nearly wet myself when I spied the giant bear standing and leaning with its paws against the glass, French doors. It stared at my friend as he ate his cereal. Thankfully, we shut off TV and lights and bear strolled back into the woods. Enjoy the day, MG