Bear!

Yesterday afternoon I heard a chomping noise outside the North sleeping porch.  Looking out, I saw this.

A young bear happily eating apples near the clothes line,

totally unfazed by dog or human presence (Tulip was quite unaware).

Yesterday he came back to a much different reception.  Tulip, who seemed on her last legs only a few days ago, gave a fast and furious chase.  The bear raced away in a flash.