The Bear

I started my day early. I had a meeting at 8:30am and had a million things to do beforehand including driving to the camp which is 40 minutes or so from my house. I left at 7:15am and arrived to find the dumpster completely overturned.

In case you have ever questioned the strength of a bear, this should correct your perception.

Every few days, a bear likes to visit our dumpster. He has figured out how to open the side doors and he loves to empty the dumpster, one bag at a time, while tearing through the contents until his belly is full.

I thought I had outsmarted him. A few weeks ago I secured the side doors with wire, and for a brief snippet of time, he was unable to get inside. Apparently this didn't sit too well with him, so last night he took the dumpster and tipped it over. Most of the garbage fell out of the top door which must have swung open.

Many people would be discouraged by this. Some would give up and grant the bear his victory. I, however, am undeterred. My plan is to secure every door on the dumpster with heavy straps that can be latched until they are tight.

If this doesn't work, my secondary plan is to hide inside one of the bags wearing a mask. When the bear rips it open, I'll jump out and scare him.