Dunsmuir Hardware

The traditional hardware store of Dunsmuir - California's historic railroad town. Founded by Dunsmuir's first mayor - Alexander Levy - in 1894 and continuing today as a full service TRUE VALUE hardware store. This blog is simply intended to be a running commentary on operating a century old small town hardware store. Also please check our our website at www.dunsmuirhardware.com

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Location: Dunsmuir, California

Sunday, August 08, 2010

'bout black bears being bold



Interesting thing that seems to happen about this time of year. Customers repeatedly come into the store and relate stories of bears being a nuisance. It's easy to see around town on trash pick-up days - cans have been knocked open and trash scattered. Driving to work recently it was like driving through a war zone - had to zig-zag around cans on both sides of the street and trash spilled out into the street. Warm weather has our native black bears on the move - usually at night - and they're looking for easy pickings. By the way - from what we understand, all bears here are black bears although there is some variation in color and folks often see "cinnamon bears" - which are actually an off-color black bear. Customers are usually looking for a bear-proof garbage can or a way to make theirs bear-proof. Those heavy-duty cans issued by the City of Dunsmuir are very tough and can stand a lot of bear-abuse but the lids can be easily flipped open. The lids can be secured with heavy-duty bungee cords or chain or rope but - understandably - the folks who pick up your trash can't be bothered with having to stop at every can and undo the bear-proofing. Some folks have put a container of ammonia on top of the trash and then close the lid with the theory that the bear shoves his head into the can and gets a face-full of fumes that will discourage him from coming back. Unfortunately this doesn't work if he simply knocks the can over and then picks over the contents. Best solution is still what we've always been advised. Don't put smelly garbage in your can and set it out - it's an invitation to your neighborhood bear. We're told that bears are repeat offenders. Once they find a tasty trash can they'll return over and over to savor it. Many folks are beginning to avoid putting wet and smelly garbage in their can at all. Things like fish and chicken and other fragrant scraps can be put in plastic bags, sealed tight and kept in the garage or popped into the freezer until the morning of the trash pick-up. Trash pick-ups are early so that might mean you'll have to get up at the crack of dawn - or before - on those days - but its probably better than having to pick up garbage scattered all over your yard, the street and the neighbor's yard.

The picture above is one that we took just yards from our home in north Dunsmuir in the summer of 2008. It was taken in the middle of the night and we had to manipulate it a bit on the computer to bring out the image - played with contrast and color which gave it that red tint - intensified by the red clay of the ground where he (or she) was walking. But you can see that he's pretty intent on cruising the neighborhood - looking for a midnight snack. Customers have told us of sightings in virtually all parts of town - even right in the center and neighborhoods where you wouldn't expect to encounter them. They obviously cruise a lot of territory on their late night strolls.

Very very important also - be careful. Bears are wild creatures with big teeth and long claws and are not to be taken casually. Don't take any chances.