Bears are not generally seen as friendly.
They’re known to get into camper’s food stashes, and cause problems for a few hikers every year. There is an average of 10 bear attacks annually in North America (and another 30 across regions where bears live, like Russia and Europe).
But they’re not always the mean monsters we make them out to be!
This man was minding his own business at his home in Asheville, North Carolina one afternoon when he received some unexpected visitors.
A group of bears came for a visit. Sniffing and checking out the house like a reverse Goldie Locks fairy tale.
Patrick Conley stayed calm as the first bear came up the steps, looking happy to be there, but paying the homeowner and his camera no attention.
Even after he offers them a neighbourly “good morning!”.
One bear seemed nerve wracking enough, but then she was followed by another. And another… and another.
Until all four of them were pattering about, checking to see if there were any leftovers available on the barbecue. But no such luck!
It turns out this isn’t the first time they’ve come to say hello. Which probably explains how he was able to stay so calm!
“These four bears have been visiting the property in Asheville, NC since at least August 2017 and most likely earlier.”
They’re such regular visitors that Patrick can identify who’s who, and has even given them names.
“The mother, Maïté, is the first one on the porch followed by her daughter Simone and chunky son Maurice. Solange, the shy one, stayed on the stairs.”
Not only names, but a little light, affectionate body shaming. That’s true friendship.
Patrick lives in a pretty rural area surrounded by lots of forest. Doesn’t that technically mean he’s on the bear’s property… not the other way around?
Either way, it’s pretty incredible that the mama bear feels comfortable enough to bring her babies near Patrick. And pretty incredible that he’s not worried about it.
How does he know they’re not stalking the house?
As the rest of the family starts to head back off the patio, one of the little cubs, Simone, is feeling quite bold.
She decides to get a close up view and more personal hello from Patrick. She saunters over looking a little weary, but still ruled by curiosity.
She gives him a little sniff and Patrick has to pull back.
“That’s a little close now, come on!”
I would have probably shrieked and run away, so he dealt with the situation very well.
Most bear attacks are caused by a mama bear feeling her cubs are threatened. So Patrick knows better than to let the cub get too close or too comfortable. He wouldn’t want Maïté to feel like she needs to intervene!
The little cub quickly retracts and goes back to catch up with her family.
Mama seems pleased with their little visit.
And then just like that, they’re gone and wander off into the woods.
Will they go to visit another house? Or some friends in the forest perhaps.
Patrick Conley has a pretty amazing and unique living situation if he’s able to interact with bears like this! Not many people can say they’ve been this close… and not all who do get to have such a pleasant experience.
Watch the video below for the full bear visit!
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