...Ds carried bear spray when he worked in the woods. One day, it disappeared. I need to confirm, now that this has come up, that he replaced it! As soon as the phones in his area are fixed.

I was so concerned about both of their phones being out today, and going to reorders (it sounds like a fast busy signal, and is something that can happen when there's been an earthquake or just something needing fixing in the lines.) that I called the operator to find out if she could connect us. Eventually yes, but only for a short time.

Yes, bears will go to inhabited areas. They can be real pests, but more importantly, it's dangerous for people and their pets. And, it's not good for the bears, either.