Things you don't expect to see at 3:53 am...

bsolomon · July 25, 2005, 04:35:32 PM

I heard some noises which woke me up and I heard them again which prompted me to investigate. It sounded like they were coming from outside on our deck which has no stairs and is located on our 2nd story. I looked out through the sliding glass door and the first thing I saw was the surreal sight of my Bradley Smoker lying on its side, slowly crawling away from me. The second thing I saw was a 100 lb. bear cub dragging it around the deck by its power cord.

I was able to chase him away and assess the damage. One suet feeder minus suet, a torn Bradley cover, and a broken lower faceplate, which I had just replaced about two months ago. Those will be replaced shortly (Chez - you have another order from me). But I also have a more permanent souvenir - one regulation-sized bear bite on the right side of the door.

I wasn't even smoking anything at the time. But I guess the smell of a well-seasoned Bradley appeals to everyone.

By the way, my pair of Bernese Mountain Dogs, a combined 210 lbs. worth, managed to sleep right through all of this. and they call then "working dogs"...

nsxbill · July 25, 2005, 08:01:42 PM

That black cover that surrounds the slider switch is cracked top of slot up is cracked. Is that the piece you are talking about? I wonder why that happens.

Bill

<i>There is room on earth for all God's creatures....on my plate next to the mashed potatoes.</i>

bsolomon · July 25, 2005, 09:22:48 PM

Yes, this is the piece that houses the temperature control board/slider. The problem I have with this piece is that the plastic cracks underneath the unit at the three screw locations furthest away from the legs. I think that there is a cantilever effect and if you push down too hard on the front of the unit (say as if a bear was pulling down from the top trying to knock it over), then the stress is too much and the plastic just cracks away around the screws. The result is the lower faceplate starts to rotate up from the bottom, which in turn starts to crack the plastic lip under the door.

Foam Steak · July 25, 2005, 09:52:09 PM

You live in evergreen? I am suprised this is the first time a bear has assaulted your Bradley.

If you need to replace the door let me know. I think I can help you out.

bsolomon · July 25, 2005, 10:44:55 PM

Thanks Foam Steak. First time in 5-1/2 years we have had a bear on the deck (that we know of). Do you have any trouble with bears in Loveland? It looked like the door function would not be effected by the bite, but I need to get a good look at it in daylight to be sure. I'll let you know.

Oldman · July 25, 2005, 11:12:41 PM

Barry,
I don't know to laugh or to cry for you. We don't have bears here, and closes problem I might have is a loose dog checking my smoker out. All I can say is this is the first time I'm glad we got gators and not nice looking bears.

Olds

BigSmoker · July 26, 2005, 01:59:10 AM

Classic[:D].

Jeff

Some say BBQ is in your blood, if thats true my blood must be BBQ sauce.

Phone Guy · July 26, 2005, 09:31:35 PM

I would like to show a bear the inside of my smoker for about 8 hours at about 200 deg. ....... Properly seasoned of course.

manxman · July 26, 2005, 09:54:14 PM

and I thought I had problems with the odd cat or dog hanging around when I am smoking!!!![:D]

Manxman.

HCT · July 26, 2005, 10:06:12 PM

I raise guinea hens, they eat ticks, to keep them off my boys. So far I've chased coyote in the middle of the night in my skivies, bob cat, mtn lion, bear and more critters then I can name. But they always come out to party at that time. And that's the time I go out with the labs and my 9MM

Mickey

LABS RULE!!!

God bless our wildlife!