Yes, you read that right.

I've had the window where I've been sitting open about an inch to allow in some fresh air, though I haven't had it open any more as I haven't wanted the cat to be able to push out the screen and escape. The cat was also right by the window, as was a fan to circulate the cool air.

About 30 minutes ago, out of the corner of my eye, I saw something large and black come across the deck and up to the window. It gave a good sniff through the screen before I realized it was a Very Large black bear. When I shouted for my housemate, it wandered off. We've since been hearing strange sounds coming from around the area of the neighbor's horses. I suspect all of the animals in the neighborhood are now aware of this bear's presence.

To answer your questions:
1. No, there wasn't food by me or the window. I was drinking sparkling water.
2. No, the garbage wasn't outside.
3. Over the past few months, we have seen evidence that a bear has been around our garage. It's where we have the garbage as we don't want it stinking up the house and the fridge isn't large enough for us to store garbage and still have room for groceries.
4. I'm thrilled my shouting caused the bear to immediately wander off but it hasn't exactly left the area. I'm concerned that this bear is waaaay to comfortable around humans.
5. Yes, I'm thinking a truly bear-proof garbage container is something we should get, mostly as I'm concerned that this bear may end up breaking into our garage (and later, our house) in order to get to food. If anyone has any ideas, please let me know.
6. Yes, I'm actually still shaking, though I know I wasn't in any real danger.

I would tell anyone in the DCVR area (or pretty much anyone in the mountains) to PLEASE be careful with open windows. I'm very glad this was only open about an inch. Even if that window had been pushed through, I doubt it's wide enough for a bear to enter. I know people up here who sleep with their patio doors wide open, thinking a screen will keep out the wildlife. Some of these people also go to sleep with snacks right beside them or in their bedroom. This worries me.

I have seen more bears and mountain lions these past few months than I've seen in all the other combined years I've lived here. I won't say if it's the weather, or the fires, or simple human encroachment but I think something is causing them to show less fear around humans. It seems like I'm talking to more and more people who have had Close Encounters of the Furry Kind, who have never really seen these animals before.

great story!
You know, I have come to think that ALL the bears up here are pretty comfortable being around humans. Think about it, they have grown up around humans and have adapted. I think that most will take advantage of any "low hanging fruit" (pun intended) if we leave stuff out, but will wander off if we don't. They will check and see and then mosey on. I am good with that.

A couple of years ago, I put a new window in our bedroom wall right next to the French doors leading out onto the deck. I was never comfortable leaving a door open for air, so I put in a small window that I call my "bear window" - it is about 18" wide and 24" tall. Big enough to put a cat perch on and leave open but small enough that a bear could not fit through.

I have a healthy respect for bears, but have really learned about living "with them" since moving here almost 10 years ago. They don't want to be around us any more than we want to be around them, but I sure do enjoy seeing them and living in a place where I get to.

I pretty much haven't slept since this happened. That bear had it's nose right up against the screen and I was only a few inches in front of it. I'd say it's a safe bet it got a good whiff of Eau de RenaissanceLady.

This is the second time in about as many months I've seen a bear on the deck. Both times it appears to have come in the direction of the garage. I know that this is the wild and that bears must learn to adapt around humans but this still seems pretty brazen. I've been keeping on the lights on the deck since the last furry encounter and it had to have seen me in front of my laptop. It still came right up and took a sniff. I didn't have food anywhere near me and all I was drinking was a sparkling water, so I doubt that attracted it. I love seeing all critters big and small around the area - but that was too close for comfort.

On a similar note, my cat was also by the slightly open window. While she'll act like it's the apocalypse whenever she sees a raccoon or neighbor's cat on the deck, she pretty much didn't react to seeing the bear. Not much of a watchcat as far as I'm concerned.

The Pyrenees was sleeping in another room next to the housemate. I have since dragged him (the Pyr, not the housemate) out to sleep beside me all night. His previous owners insisted that he's chased bears up trees before but all I've seen is a dog that might as well be smoking a bong. I wish he had been here when the bear arrived so I could have seen his reaction.

I know it is freaking you out, but you are safe, the critters are safe, the bear is safe. All's well.

Bears are comfortable around humans. We are part of their environment. Your bear was most likely just curious. We see evidence of bears walking next to the house continually but I have yet to see one looking in a window.
My cat has fallen out the window after breaking the screen, the last time I had it repaired, the guy a Moore Lumber replaced it with a stronger mesh that is holding up well. I had problems with the cat pushing out the lower corner and the dog leaping through the top in the night going after some animal. The last time I left the window a crack, he pushed it open and instead of breaking loose the screen the whole thing popped out saving me a $20.00 screen repair. I now close all windows he could leap through when he is in the house.
Both the cat and the dog react to bear and other wildlife in the yard. It is comforting and a pain when I am woken up sometimes several times a night with them telling me "there is something out there" I get better sleep with the windows closed, then I am only awoke when there is something within a couple of feet around the house.

yeah - great story!
you've been blessed, even if it was freaky!

it's too bad you have to defend youself here on pinecam right up front - some folks just seem to think they know more than everyone else! - butcha just gotta laugh 'em off!

again, great story and thanks for sharing!

Thanks to everyone for the information. I'll check into some of the stronger screens out there. I've also heard of one that supposedly can't even be cut with a knife. It would be nice having something kitty can't go all Ginsu on and destroy.

It was definitely an experience. I admit it was kinda cool but I'm OK if I'm never again that close to a bear. I doubt there was even 8 inches between us. I'm hoping Eau de RenaissanceLady isn't a scent bears find enticing.

Maybe you smell good, take it as a compliment!

not to hurt your feelings, but the bear would be more interested in that peanut butter jar than you.

L-)

If only there had been a peanut butter jar.... The only things by the window were:
1. One of me.
2. One nonchalant cat.
3. One desk fan.
4. One laptop computer.
5. One sparkling water.

I'm feeling more like the Other White Meat. I'm also thinking I'd pair well with a White Meritage or a Chenin Blanc, assuming he's a more cultured bear.

I should probably try and get some rest now as I don't think it's normal to imagine what wines would go best with fresh RenaissanceLady.

I wasn't saying that there was any food around the window... i was just saying that a bear is NOT interested in eating a HUMAN....

WHOA, I am glad you are alright!! and would have found that experience very alarming, terrifying even. Bears don't need to be up at the window.
Brace yourself for unpopular perspective ahead:
You know that book, "The Gift of Fear?" We are wired to feel intimidated by things that will hurt us, it's a basic part of our instinct to survive. The fact Bear does not feel enough fear to avoid you means he does not perceive you as a threat (and the fact you do feel afraid means you are in danger).
Be safe, dear Lady! -- if you see him again, create enough fear in Bear to balance the respect issue out, whatever that takes. In the end, this is in his own best interests too.
Cohabitation does not mean predation, so if you wouldn't tolerate it in your housemate, don't let Bear do it to you either. Bears know they are way mo' bigger than us and their fear has to come from something we have that they don't. There's lots of stuff that comes to mind, and using the voice or other noise-making tools is a good first start. Amp up the volume if you ever see him again, remember those kitchen supplies? - you can set up a horrific racket with the soup ladle and a big pot. Run toward the window!
And -- think about adding a dog to your household.

In short, I totally agree with Wily Fox that, "They don't want to be around us any more than we want to be around them," but from my perspective, it's dangerous on both sides if this dynamic changes. Bears do occasionally eat us, we are on Nature's officially authorized menu. No fava beans or Chianti required.