One poor pine sapling has been reduced to a trunk and one small branch by Milton's crazy marking of it over the years. Milton marks this tree more than any other bear.
It's not a tall tree and it's invisible behind him in this photo. It's short enough that he often squats down to rub his back on it.
Then, he reaches back to find the top of the trunk.
At the very end, I imagined that he let out a celebratory whoop - which is why his mouth is wide open in this photo!
After walking another mile or so, he arrived at another favorite marking tree. This one has flourished despite his vociferous dancing while rubbing his back on it multiple times per summer.
During this journey, he was heading generally in the direction where a large male bear was killed the next day. I hope that Milton is okay -- and that he will be back again this autumn like usual. Every summer, our resident male bears disappear at this time of year as they travel far and wide to find food. Thus, I am trying not to worry about Milton. We probably won't see him again for a while even if he is fine.
You can watch the video here or at Youtube.
I'm sending good luck to Milton in his search for food. Most of our early bear foods failed due to crazy weather. However, some berries and many ant colonies are flourishing now so I hope that he can find all the calories that he needs!
We hope Milton can find food and
ReplyDeletestill manage to stay safe.
Is there a river where he can fish
close by?
Astro
There is a big creek nearby but I don't know how much black bears actually fish, like Grizzlies do. Black bears tend to rely more on berries, other fruits, nuts, seeds, and carrion.
Deletewatching him in he video he looks a lot like our dog jake when he lays in the middle of the carpet in the living room. he does the same scratching thing, it must feel good. it sure looks like it feels good to Milton. prayers for him to be ok
ReplyDeleteMilton sure does have the biggest paws!
ReplyDeleteQuite intimidating when Milton stand up!!!
ReplyDeleteNice catch!
He is such a handsome bear. I hope he lives a long and healthy life.
ReplyDeleteMilton, be careful out there big guy, we like seeing you!
ReplyDeleteHari OM
ReplyDeleteWe just had a three-day broadcast from Alaska on the BBC, with live, here and now shots of all the activity around the salmon run. Kodiaks and other brown bears, black bears, wolves, orca, salmon sharks, humpbacks and their bubble nets. It was breath-taking... and so is this. Sending positive vibes to Milton from the Bonny Land! YAM xx
It's a wonder any trees reach maturity in Milton's territory! Best of luck to Milton on finding all the necessary food he needs for this winter.
ReplyDeleteGood luck Milton. Be safe and happy journeys. He is a big one!
ReplyDeleteLily & Edward
We always love seeing your bear photos and videos. We hope Milton finds all he needs to eat.
ReplyDeleteMilton looks like he's gonna need lots and lots of berries!
ReplyDeleteYour Pals,
Murphy & Stanley
Eat up well Milton, and store it away for your winter sleep.A very busy boy on the trail, Did I hear a plane, and then some water in a stream? He looks so healthy, and your trail cams seem to be spread a long way apart. And a huge spell in the middle of the day, maybe it did get quite warm.
ReplyDeleteMilton looks like he is a very content and healthy bear. We hope he made it westward safely. How we would have loved to hear that WHOOP!~!!
ReplyDeleteWe hope Milton is fine and can find loads of food this summer. We would have loved to hear that Whoop.
ReplyDeleteWe hope that Milton is A OK!
ReplyDeletehugs
Hazel & Mabel
We sure hope Milton is safe and finding all the food he needs!
ReplyDeleteJan, Wag 'n Woof Pets
He is amazing! Those shots look like the ones of stuffed bears. How amazing!
ReplyDeleteOh, I gots my paws crossed that Milton is okays. He is hilarious! I loved watchin' all the videos of him marking his trees. the weather has been so nuts, that I hopes he gets all the calories he needs. If he needs any extra fat, just lets me know, and I will give him some of mine....hehehe
ReplyDeleteKisses,
Ruby ♥
I don't think that you have any fat to spare, Ruby!
DeleteHi, This is great & thank you for sharing! - Wondering what trail cam(s) you have? We would like to get one & the quality of this is excellent - does it have night vision also?
ReplyDeleteI have never come across a marking tree (though I may pass them all the time). I look for tracks in the mud but have never found hair caught on a tree. Milton is s Big Boy. Maybe he's traveling to visit me!
ReplyDeleteWonderful to have a small view into this big boys life. I hope he is safe and well too.
ReplyDeleteI love all the bird sounds on the videos, at around the 15 second mark on this video, there is, I assume, a bird call, do you know what it is? It sounds like 3 beeps.
Kiersten :)