MEMORY OF BEARS IN THE SHENANDOAHS...

and a poem.

 Photos from way back, but I found a poem on Instagram recently.  Remembering this incredible experience of seeing a bear in the woods on one of our trips up to Skyline Drive a few years ago, and another of a mother bear and her cub.  Well, seeing this poem with its very important message, I felt the need to share them again.  I have had no sightings lately.  Unfortunately the author wasn't recognized, but it came from 'shenandoahnps' (Shenadoah National Park Service)

"I Want To Live"

I am a bear

Shenandoah is my home.

I have plenty of trees, and water

and a beautiful place to roam.

I want to live forever....here.

Slow down for me

when I am crossing Skyline Drive

I might be walking with my family.

Did you know the speed limit is 35?

I want my cubs to live forever...here.

Please don't get me into trouble,

I don't need your food.

I have acorns, berries and bugs to eat.

Leaving garbage is very rude.

I want to live forever...here.

Keep your distance from me,

I am a wild bear.

Never get too close for selfies,

If you love me please care,

I want to live forever...here.

It is a beautiful poem and speaks volumes.  I apologize for my photos as they are very blurry, taken a couple of years apart.  I had only seconds to get the mother and bear, taken through the front window as we stopped to let them cross the road.  We heard the baby crying for its mother, who had gone on ahead and was waiting for her little cub on the other side.  The cub was scared, it almost sounded like it was bleating, and did not want to cross.  Mother waited patiently until the little bear found courage to follow mum and we could hear quite clearly as she huffed her encouragement.  We watched as they disappeared into the undergrowth.  One of those magical moments I will always remember, and that is why I felt the need to share the poem I found a couple of days ago in Instagram.

(Illustrations found at pixabay.com, with thanks)