Tracking Bears and Deer While Protecting Leafy Greens at West Faithful Acres

 Hi!, Today, while inspecting my garden, I encountered a hunter and his highly trained tracking dog. Recently, there have been multiple bear sightings in the area, so I felt profound gratitude toward them. The dog was methodically following olfactory trails, completely absorbed in detecting wildlife movement. It was remarkable to observe such specialized canine behavior; their acute sensory perception enables them to locate animals, track movements, and provide early warnings for potential hazards, all of which significantly enhance personal safety for people working outdoors.

Hunter and Canine Expert Tracking Local Wildlife

Recently, I had placed small, astringent kiwifruits and overgrown Japanese mustard spinach (Komatsuna) into the compost bin. There is a deliberate strategy behind this: wild animals have been foraging in the garden. I immediately recognized the evidence because the soil around hidden tree roots carried a distinct, wild scent, indicating territorial markings. Depositing fresh fruit into the compost allows me to monitor wildlife interactions and mitigate potential crop damage.

My Compost Bin

Today, I checked whether the compost had been disturbed. As anticipated, the small kiwifruits I had hidden were now exposed and partially consumed. Presumably, the fruits were still too astringent to eat, explaining the selective nibbling.

Wild Deer Foraging Through Compost

Identifying the animal responsible was straightforward. A fully grown bear had recently been observed in this vicinity and even appeared in local news reports. That report prompted the hunter and his tracking dog to patrol regularly, which was incredibly reassuring. Their presence ensures that gardeners like me can work with reduced risk, demonstrating the practical significance of trained dogs in wildlife management and environmental safety.

Hunter and Canine Expert Tracking Local Wildlife

I had the opportunity to discuss with the hunter. He explained that the previous bear sighting involved a wandering individual and that normally, this area experiences more damage from deer rather than bears. Learning this provided a substantial sense of relief. While vegetable damage remains a consideration, knowing that experts and their dogs are monitoring the area allows me to cultivate crops with greater confidence. Vigilance, however, remains essential.

Dormant Blueberry Bushes in Winter

Komatsuna Growing

In addition to monitoring wildlife, I am currently observing the garden’s komatsuna beds and dormant blueberry bushes, as well as a research avocado tree planted to study growth patterns. This project is a practical investigation into which types of leafy vegetables are most resilient against wildlife foraging. By evaluating how different crops withstand animal interactions, I aim to minimize agricultural loss and improve strategic garden planning for future seasons. This empirical approach not only enhances understanding of plant growth and hardiness but also illustrates how humans can coexist safely and efficiently with surrounding wildlife.