Bear in a Bathtub…We’re Not Kidding

11174526_1648842222016598_4054587475556729702_oLast fall’s drought sent this bear looking for a little water.

11212599_1648842225349931_7610636807444748065_o11201159_1648842235349930_7745195525626479161_o

Nothing like a bath to start the morning.

These images were captured last October as part of a project by Associated Professor Justin Brashares of UC Berkeley at a research property in Hopland. Brashares explained the project is studying, “…the population dynamics of several large mammal species at the Center. Among other things, they hope to better understand the impacts of drought and fences on wildlife at HREC as an indicator of larger trends across the state.”

Apparently, fences don’t stop bears searching for baths.

——————————————————————————————————————————————

Interested in learning more? Here are some links.

To stay informed about “Happenings At Hopland”:

Please visit our website: http://hrec.ucanr.edu/ 

Sign up for our Blog: http://ucanr.edu/blogs/Hopland/

Sign up for our email newsletter: http://eepurl.com/bisJHj

Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HoplandREC

Facebooktwitterpinterestmail

Join the discussion! For rules visit: https://kymkemp.com/commenting-rules

Comments system how-to: https://wpdiscuz.com/community/postid/10599/

Subscribe
Notify of
guest

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

23 Comments
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
HSU Student
Guest
HSU Student
8 years ago

I wonder if that spring filling the tub is registered with fish and game as well as the California state water control board along with local agencies.
It also appears that it does not have a float valve on it, is the diversion just running onto the ground?? This is a major problem, were in a drought right now.

tugboat
Guest
8 years ago
Reply to  HSU Student

Yes, somebody should report this waste to Obama, I`ll look for his phone number and post it up here. This major crime should be submitted to the highest authorities. For those who wish to write, I believe his physical address is [[1600 Pennsylvania Ave. Washington DC . ]

tugboat
Guest
8 years ago
Reply to  HSU Student

Yes, somebody should report this waste to Obama, I`ll look for his phone number and post it up here. This major crime should be submitted to the highest authorities. For those who wish to write, I believe his physical address is [1600 Pennsylvania Ave. Washington DC . ]

Uti
Guest
Uti
8 years ago
Reply to  HSU Student

There’s obviously not enough room in that tub for a float valve and that big-ass bear. But seriously, you are assuming a lot here and calling it a “major” problem is ridiculous, not to mention throwing cold water on an otherwise lighthearted fun post. How do you know the water isn’t still running back into the same drainage for starters? How do you know that the tub isn’t for the wildlife who have water rights too?

A lot of springs don’t run above the surface in summer to the point where wildlife can find a place to drink— the spring I get my household water from is an example. On our property here I make sure there is some drinking water available for the critters, just not a running tub big enough for a bear. If he wants a soaking bath he’s going to have to hike down to the river swimming hole like the rest of us. So far we don’t need a permit to go for a swim.

tord
Guest
tord
8 years ago
Reply to  HSU Student

Meanwhile an 8-oz steak uses as much water as a 7-hour shower(902gals)…but yeah let’s focus on this little tub.
http://www.buzzfeed.com/brandensueper/the-amount-of-water-that-goes-into-one-8-oz-steak-is-shockin#.skzEpJNga

ekanfromdows
Guest
ekanfromdows
8 years ago

Someone needs to photoshop in a shower cap and a back brush:)…

ekanfromdows
Guest
ekanfromdows
8 years ago

Calgon, take me away….

Dan Fuller
Guest
Dan Fuller
8 years ago

Splish splash he was taking a bath…!!! ;o]]

nines
Guest
8 years ago

Even though bear antics got me swarmed by a swarm of psychotic bees, I can’t help but love seeing one at it here.

An ancient bee box in a field next to my neighbors’ rose garden had been taken up by wild bees long since, even though it was badly decaying and almost not recognizable as once having been a bee box. A bear had found it and had himself a total Winnie the Pooh pig out, which very unfortunately for any critter fazed by angry bees, killed the queen.

I was keeping my neighbors’ garden happening for them while they were away in Arizona. Right in the middle of my rose watering, the angry swarm noticed me. OMG. No one could get near without being attacked. We had to call some pro beekeepers to come help. Fully suited they came and assessed the problem.

Brought them a box with a queen in it. Waited for the chaos to ease a bit and then drove off with the result a few days later.

The bear had split the thing in two and taken huge swipes out of the middle of it. I consoled myself through the days of swollen misery by picturing the bear out there slathered with honey and happy as this one looks to be in that tub.

Sai
Guest
Sai
8 years ago

As requested… 🙂

Sai
Guest
Sai
8 years ago
Reply to  Kym Kemp

Heh, thanks Kym. Just playing around like with that Hummingbird pic awhile back…

Kim
Guest
Kim
8 years ago
Reply to  Sai

Love it!

nines
Guest
8 years ago
Reply to  Sai

😛

Ospreyeye
Guest
8 years ago

Great photos. Good material for commenting on the stock market. EYE can see it now,

“The Bears are really taking a bath today”

The photoshopped bear w/ the rubber duck and hat is hilarious.

Butch
Guest
Butch
8 years ago

So I’m wondering, if this bear likes to bathe in a bath tub, do you think that it poops in an outhouse?

nines
Guest
8 years ago
Reply to  Butch

Don’t be silly. Of COURSE it does.

Kim
Guest
Kim
8 years ago

My take on the bear’s bath scene. 🙂

nines
Guest
8 years ago
Reply to  Kim

LOL

Oh, gawd, I needed that! 😛

Hannah Bird
Guest
8 years ago

Loved to see these photo shopped bears! Thanks Kim, I’ve passed them on to Justin Brashares the researcher behind the project at Berkeley. We’ll send any more good pictures your way!