Pennsylvania Woman Moves Next To State Park And Mama Bears Start Treating Her Like A Cub Sitter
A woman’s bordering a state park turns into an extraordinary wildlife experience when local black bears decide her front porch is the safest place in the forest.
A Home On The Edge Of The Wild
When Susan decided to move into a house bordering a beautiful state park, she knew she would be closer to nature.
The towering trees and quiet surroundings offered a peaceful escape from the hustle of everyday life.
But she had no idea just how close the local wildlife would get, as the forest’s most majestic residents soon started making regular appearances in her yard.
Unexpected Forest Visitors
The wild black bears that called the state park home soon started coming around Susan’s property.
For many people, a bear in the yard would be a reason to panic and lock the doors.
Susan, however, felt a different calling. Instead of driving them away, she simply started to photograph and study them from a safe distance.
She was captivated by their quiet intelligence and gentle movements, and a unique relationship was just beginning to take root.
Earning The Clan’s Trust
Susan is quick to warn others not to try this at home, knowing that these are powerful wild animals.
But over time, she found that the bears slowly accepted her as part of their clan.
Her secret was simple: she always went at their comfort level. She never invaded their space or tried to see how close she could get to them.
Instead, she spoke to them in a very soft, soothing voice. “I think they pick up on that,” she explained, noticing how their ears would twitch as they listened to her gentle words.
Springtime Reunions
Now, Susan looks forward to the changing of the seasons. Every year, starting in the spring when they come out of hibernation, the bears return.
She sees a bear just about every day, turning her porch into a peaceful gathering spot.
One male bear, whom she affectionately calls a “gentle giant,” has formed a special bond with her.
“He just loves to lay on my porch occasionally and hang out,” Susan shared. In her quiet world, the massive bear is simply keeping her company, never getting into any trouble.
The Unbelievable Door Trick
As the bears grew more comfortable, their intelligence truly began to shine.
One day, Susan walked from her kitchen into the living room and found a bear standing at her open front door.
The curious animal was sniffing the door, and then he put his mouth over the doorknob. Acting on instinct, Susan gently encouraged him, saying, “Pull, pull.”
To her absolute amazement, the bear pulled the knob and closed the door. “I’m not saying he knew what I was saying, but he pulled the door knob, and he closed it,” she recalled, making sure to praise him.
Setting Firm Boundaries
Despite their incredible bond, Susan makes sure to maintain strict boundaries for her own safety.
She is not afraid, but she always shows the bears the utmost respect.
If a bear is on the front porch and decides to try walking into the house, Susan instantly changes her tone. She gives an abrupt and firm command, telling them to “STOP” or “Down.”
The bears understand the shift in her voice immediately. They respect her rules, proving that their relationship is built on a foundation of mutual understanding.
A Safe Haven For Mothers
The most breathtaking moments of Susan’s life happen toward the end of summer.
As the season changes, the mother bears begin to show an extraordinary level of trust in their human neighbor.
Susan believes the bears have an extra sense that tells them they are safe on her property.
The mothers show absolutely no hostility toward her, even when their precious babies are nearby. They know exactly where to go when they want their little ones to feel secure.
The Forest Babysitter
In a stunning display of trust, a couple of the mother bears actually bring their cubs to Susan’s porch for her to “babysit.”
They leave their babies in her care and take off into the woods to forage for food.
Other times, mother bears will sit right in front of her house, peacefully nursing their cubs while Susan watches from her porch.
“It’s a very different life than the normal person’s,” Susan admitted, marveling at the incredible scenes unfolding right outside her window.
A Life Complete
Susan is realistic about her unique lifestyle. She knows there is always a one-percent chance of danger with any wild animal, and to say otherwise would be fooling herself.
But the joy and wonder these creatures bring to her everyday routine far outweigh the risks.
She has found a rare, beautiful harmony with the natural world that most people can only dream of.
For Susan, everything has fallen perfectly into place. Her life is completely fulfilled by peacefully coexisting with the gentle black bears of the forest.
