I recently tackled a grizzly bear. OK, that’s a lie. There was actually a fence between us that could hold off a tank, but it was definitely the closest I have ever been to a bear.For my latest Project Paige I visited the Greensburg Grizzly Adventure at Stapp’s Circle S Ranch in Greensburg. I know, it sounded crazy to me too — grizzly bears in Greensburg?
Apparently Jeff Watson, bear owner and handler for 20 years, was ready for a more laid back lifestyle after two decades of the Big Screen. Watson and his bears have been on the cover of National Geographic, “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno” and “Good Morning America.” His bears even starred in a 2008 movie about bear attacks called “Grizzly Park.”
A Hoosier native, Watson decided to open the exhibit so people would come to him rather than him going to people. He also wanted to educate the public about bears.
I learned quite a bit on my trip.
Of course I knew bears were big, but when I got within a few feet of Brody, Bruno, Buck, Marty and Chuck I was pretty intimidated. These guys were massive and their teeth and claws looked like knives.
The gang was having breakfast when I arrived: 10 pounds of chicken, a loaf of bread and a bag of carrots each. It only took them a few seconds to scarf it down.
Jeff told me they pretty much think about food at all times right now. Even though they are in captivity they are preparing for hibernation.I was surprised to learn that in the wild, about 80 percent of a brown bears diet is vegetation. I always assumed they ate mostly meat.
Jeff also told me that baby bears stay with their mothers for about two-and-a-half years.
The most interesting thing I learned was the difference between brown and black bear attacks.
Jeff said that brown bears usually only attack humans if they feel threatened — if they feel they need to protect their young or their food. He said black bears attack for food — they basically just want to eat you.
So, if I ever go camping in the Smoky Mountains I will definitely store and cook my food as far from my tent as possible. There’s no need to invite a bear for dinner.
If you go
What: Greensburg Grizzly Adventure. Four adult grizzly bears and one grizzly cub.
Where: Stapp’s Circle S Ranch, 4858 E. Indiana 46, Greensburg.
Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, and noon to 7 p.m. Sunday.
Cost: $10 for adults, $7.50 for seniors over 65, $4 for children 3 to 11 and children 2 and under are free.
Information: 812-663-6709 or stappscirclesranch.com.
