Lions, Tigers, and Bears! Oh my!

So Matt and I went on a quick camping trip on the Deleware Water Gap before heading up to be with his family over a weekend full of birthday fun.

We arrived at the campground early afternoon, for once, and decided to take a hike to a nearby pond. A three hour hike (round trip). About half way, up on the trail ahead, I suddenly see two big black animals cross the path, with two smaller furry creatures following. Matthew thought they were dogs.

Funny, I thought dogs had tails.

It turns out, it was a family of bears. We stop, freak out momentarily, and decide to wait it out. We wait for a long time--I looked everywhere for them. This is what I saw:

Matt thought it was safe to continue on. Until this (100 yards away):

 Maybe (s)he was waiting US out??

So we head right back where we came from... down the hill we go, talking loudly, sounding as humanly as possible, and vigorously jiggling our keys.

That night, we could hardly believe what had happened!!

The next morning, we really wanted to go back and get to the pond, so we head back with our loud keys. I was beary nervous the whole time, constantly on the lookout. We got to the pond, one of the 7 wonders of NJ. Who knew?

 There were lots and lots of frogs. So cute!

 I've never seen bright orange mushrooms.



On our way down, still jiggling keys, I stop dead in my tracks. All I could say was "Matthew!!" and frantically point. Matthew looked behind him, but the bear had already ran behind him and to his right--all Matthew saw were the two cubs running after their parent. I couldn't believe how close they were (15 yards). All I could think was "where is the other adult bear?" All 3 of them ran away from us, thankfully. Matthew suggested leaving the path (which they were on) to avoid them. I didn't get any pictures but this one (cubs) because I was so terrified.

Now we've seen a moose (last year), 3 grizzly bears and 4 black bears. Now what?