While a lot of folks are getting wild this weekend, every day is Independence Day, for the true wild ones of Ocean Shores . . .

The bear that was shot at apparently remains “at large” (and we mean very large, estimated 250 pounder). Meanwhile from the comments section: If the bear swam west across the lake that would explain why our Earth Machine compost bin was uprooted during the night

now what about my missing boots? I have lost 2 of them off the decks this spring / summer and unfortunately both of what disappeared were right ones and I really don’t have 2 left feet

According to Russ Fitts of the OSPD, “there’s nothing to indicate we have an injured animal.” The Huckleberry Court resident said he fired a shot after the bear came toward him in a threatening manner. The  bear ran away after the shot was fired. The man believes he hit the bear in the shoulder, but police and Fish and Wildlife personnel searched the area, and found not blood or other evidence of a wounded animal.

Shortly after the gunshot this morning, someone else called to say they saw a bear swimming across Duck Lake.

From the OSPD call log:

June 28

Duck Lake at Hutton

Bear seen.

Eridani Loop

8:02 p.m.

“Large black bear in yard.”

Makah Ave. SE

10:11 p.m.

Bear.

June 29

OS Blvd SW

3:20 a.m.

Bear going through garbage can.

S. Wynoochee Dr SW

4:42 a.m.

Black bear in yard.

June 30

OS Blvd SW

2:57 a.m.

“Big bear just walked down the outside hallway.”

Pt Brown Ave SE

8:20 p.m.

Black bear in empty lot.

Greenview Ave SW

8:42 p.m.

Bear eating out of dumpster.

July 1

N. Wynoochee SW

5:48 a.m.

Black bear walking down road.

Calawah St SW

5:52 a.m.

Bear in yard.

Bears, deer, eagles, bears, deer, eagles . . . finally, a coyote pic! You hear about these little rascals, but how often do you see one? Michal Rosencrans photo from Duck Lake Drive, with her warning:

“This troublemaker is looking for a free lunch in your back yard….make sure your small pets are protected!”

I heard more reports of bear sightings Sunday night and Monday morning (trash day?) in the airport area. Last night, Tom Kapelos had this bear wander within 10 feet of his home near Ocean Shores Elementary School (no worries there, school’s out) and the Weatherwax. He thought the bear “looks really thin.” Another bear trap has apparently been set in this area.

So says photographer Carol Schultz:

So sad to see one of these wandering around, no collar, no tags, off leash, no owner in site . . . If this belongs to you, please take care of it!

(Joy Schmitt photo, by the bay yesterday morning)

Lots of little two- and four-leggers running around town:

Carol Tinker photo of Rae Fenton and friend . . .