6/22: Sunny & Mild in Nelson County. It is going to be a beautiful day with highs in the mid 80’s in the valley and in the mid 70’s on the mountain.
For the full, local weather report, visit www.NelsonCountyLife.com
Questions, Answers, Updates & Requests
I love receiving your emails with questions, updates and requests. Send your emails to kim@ExperienceNelsonCounty.com Also, order a Summer Vacation Kit for Wintergreen and Nelson County.
Real Estate Today: Plan ahead to tour condos, homes and building lots over the July 4th weekend. Set an appointment by emailing kim@ExperienceNelsonCounty.com or call 434-238-2430.
Q: Are there bears in Wintergreen Resort?
A: Yes, we do have bears in Wintergreen Resort and in Nelson County. Wintergreen is a “Bear Aware” community. See today’s blog for additional information.
Wildlife in Nelson County and Wintergreen Resort
When visiting Wintergreen Resort and Nelson County you could have the opportunity to see deer, black bear, bobcats, snakes and turkeys. If you act responsibly in our mountains, both you and the animals will remain safe.
Give these animals plenty of space and please do NOT feed any of our animals—this goes for squirrels and chipmunks too. “People food” is not healthy for our wild animals and feeding them only teaches dangerous habits to the animals. This includes throwing your trash away in dumpsters and locking those dumpsters. Our animals have very long memories. They will travel for miles to a well-known trash can and they will remember your house for months or years.
Please don’t leave food on your decks or even your screened porches. (or sliding doors open to your kitchen) Don’t give them a reason to remember your house as a buffet stop.
I often get questions or concerns about the Black Bears in Wintergreen Resort. It is not uncommon to see one of our bears while in the resort. With care, everyone will remain safe and enjoy the mountains together. Below are some tips from a brochure that I picked up at The Nature Foundation in Wintergreen Resort.
How to Avoid a Bear Encounter while Hiking
Yes, we do have Black Bears in both Wintergreen Resort and Nelson County. Living in the county and working in the resort, I see them a few times a year.
Hike in a group; most bears will leave an area once aware of your presence.
Stay on the established hiking trails and hike during daylight hours.
Keep children close and within sight. Please don’t encourage your kids to follow a bear through the woods.
If a bear hears or smells you coming, they will leave the area. Be extra careful hiking in the rain, near rushing water or into the wind as the bears may not be able to hear or smell your approach.
Be alert—Watch for signs that a bear is nearby. (tracks, droppings, diggings, torn-up logs and scratched trees. I can personally say that I had a bear encounter last week and it was because I did not stay aware of my surroundings.
Bear foods—Be careful when you are around their natural foods. They love blueberries, fruit trees and dead animals. I have also seen them in corn fields.
Always keep your dog on a leash while in the resort or hiking in Nelson County—no matter the size of the dog. Not only is an unleashed dog a danger to itself and animals, but they often get lost.
Bear cubs—Yes, they are very cute. But their moms are never far away and will be very aggressive if they feel that their young are threatened. Never get between a mother and her cubs. A few of our mothers have more than one cub. So, if you see one cub, be on the lookout for another.
If you Encounter a Bear When Hiking
Stay Calm: Think ahead and plan how to respond if you do encounter a bear. Our plan is to start singing the “Happy Birthday” song. I have had the opportunity to use this plan once, and it did work.
Don’t run: A black bear can easily outrun you. Pick up small children and stay in a group.
Leave: Leave the area and make a wide detour: If you can not move, make sure that the bear has an escape route. The bear wants to escape just as much as you do.
The bear may approach or rear up on its hind legs. This is not necessarily a sign of aggression. The bear is likely trying to catch your scent. Back away slowly. Aggressive behavior includes swinging his head back and forth, making vocalizations such as huffs, snorts, etc, display teeth or claws or swatting at the ground. They also will lay their ears back, much like a dog when they are stressed. The bear is asking for more space. Back away slowly and make sure that the bear does have an escape route.
I hope to see you in beautiful Nelson County this Summer…
Kim Chappell is a graduate from the Realtor Institute and is an agent with Wintergreen Resort Premier Properties, the official real estate office of Wintergreen Resort. Kim also lists and sells property in beautiful Nelson County. Contact Kim Chappell at kim@ExperienceNelsonCounty.com or 434-238-2430. The Free Daily Blog is posted on both www.ExperienceNelsonCounty.com and www.ExperienceWintergreen.com