When I arrived at the site, I saw my cam broken into two pieces, a padlock pried open, and the front part of the camera on the ground. At first, I was furious, thinking that a bad human had done it. Then, I noticed that the memory card was still in the camera, and that made me think that maybe it wasn't a human who destroyed it.
Indeed, the memory card showed that "Bandit", the young male bear who I introduced you to yesterday had attacked the camera. I felt so much better that a bear had destroyed the camera rather than a human. After all, I put my trail cams right in the midst of where bears live out their lives - so this type of thing is expected. Young ones like Bandit get curious, and they use their strength to fully investigate a camera. It was my mistake not to have the camera in a bear case.
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| Bandit |
Here's the video of Bandit killing the camera (from the camera's point of view) plus a video of him attempting the same thing with another camera on a snowy day a couple of weeks later. I think that bear security cases are becoming essential due to this youngster!
You can watch the video here or at Youtube.
It's rather shocking and scary to see Bandit's teeth attacking the camera from the point of view of the camera. I am generally not worried about bears when I'm in the forest because they are so timid. This video gave me some idea of the power they possess. We are lucky that they are normally timid!
The inside of his mouth did make my heart stop! What a great video to have, even though it cost you the camera!
ReplyDeleteI had to turn the volume down!!! Scary stuff, he needs some serious parental training. So sorry about the trail cam, guess it is for the scrap heap now.
ReplyDeleteDang, that Bandit was on a mission and a successful one at that!
ReplyDeleteI can't believe the camera kept recording, this would make great ad for them to use... yowsa Grandpa what big teeth you have.. Bandit was well named
ReplyDeleteWow, makes you wonder what on earth he was thinking.
ReplyDeleteHe sure didn't like that camera spying on him. YIKES!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great video! Sorry about your camera but still really cool. I wonder what he thinks? Doesn't like the human smell? The camera is too noisy for him? Chewying gum? LOL!
ReplyDeleteYou better leave him a big ball to play with
ReplyDeleteLily & Edward
Quite incredible - it makes you wonder just what alerted him to the presence of the camera, when he's been around it before and not destroyed it. Maybe he thought it was something to play with !
ReplyDeleteWow. Amazing footage!
ReplyDeleteI think I have told you this story before, but . . .
ReplyDeleteBecause we live so remote, there is no wired internet and very weak cellular service. So, we receive our internet via a WISP - basically a series of transmitting towers relaying internet to each other and finally to the house. Since the towers are placed on mountain tops, they are powered via solar panels that charge batteries. Lightning strikes can take out a tower and we have to wait until a crew can get up to the tower to rebuild it.
Anyway, the technicians were showing me one day why my tower was not working. A bear had broken into its base, stolen the batteries, and attempted to taste them. Fortunately, it lost interest and left the batteries (which are quite big), but not before leaving some impressive teeth marks.
P.S. - Love the video!
Glad it was the camera and not you! That Bandit doesn't like to be on video. Perhaps he thinks you aren't videoing him at the best angle? Great footage but poor camera. What an owey!
ReplyDeleteThe camera was pretty good in that it wasn't destroyed even more! Yes, Bandit was taking that camera down!
ReplyDeleteYour Pals,
Murphy & Stanley
love this video. glad he was working on your camera and not you. stay safe, and keep sending us good stuff like that.
ReplyDeleteGuess Bandit doesn't like the flashy beast any more that the pups do:)
ReplyDeleteWell...that's the only way we want to get close to a bear's mouth and claws! Too bad for the camera. We don't think bandits like to have evidence of their antics. Great footage, though.
ReplyDeleteWe've had many destroyed bird feeders from bears, so it was kind of fun to see one in action. :) Actually, we did once watch one tear a bird feeder from limb to limb many years ago, from the safety of our house.
ReplyDeleteJan, Wag 'n Woof Pets
Great movie. Sorry about the camera tho. I think you should send the footage to the manufacturer. Maybe they'll give you some money off a new one! LOL
ReplyDeleteThat is SUCH cool footage!
ReplyDeleteThat is incredible!!!
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Buddy
Wow! That is so interesting that he noticed it and destroyed it! It's a puzzle toy for bears! I'm sorry that you lost your trail cam! What a bummer!
ReplyDeleteSorry you lost a camera but it was an interesting view of the inside of a bears mouth.
ReplyDeleteYes, he is a repeat offender and none of your cameras are safe without the bear proof covers. Sorry you lost your equipment, but like you it's better that a bear destroyed it with no real malice or mischief. Just curiosity.
ReplyDeleteThe sound had Mabel barking with curiosity!
ReplyDeletehugs
Mr Bailey, Hazel & Mabel
OMD, that was amazing, and scary! I'm sorry abouts your camera, butts you got some amazing footage! Ma was LOL at the bear marking the tree! omd, too funny!
ReplyDeleteKisses,
Ruby ♥
I guess Bandit was stating his right to privacy but didn't know the "spy" had more than one cam!
ReplyDelete😂 Sorry your camera got destroyed but that is an awesome video! Kind of worth it! Xx
ReplyDeleteWell, ya know, if I were pole dancing in the forest like that, I wouldn't want it published on the Internet without my consent either. I mean, nobody pole dances for free. Am I right? tee hee... WOW, just, WOW!
ReplyDeleteWhen he sets his mind to something, nothing can stop him...
ReplyDeleteOMG, that video is amazing!!!! WOW!!!!!
ReplyDeleteKZK
Boy, he did a good job~
ReplyDeleteSorry about the loss of your camera. Great film though, if it's any consolation.
ReplyDeleteMy, Bandit, what nice white (and big) teeth you have!
ReplyDelete