Kate Chatot just called to  remind me that this is when the bears are out and about, very hungry, looking for food. She said there was a warning on VPR today that people should not have bird feeders out now - the birds can do fine on their own this time of year, and the bears love to raid any feeders left out. Also, please be careful not to leave any garbage out. Bears have a keen sense of smell and they will find it. It's really risky to put garbage out by the road. Even if  you you keep it inside you need to have it in a tightly closed container and preferably inside a sturdy building, otherwise if they smell it, they will go after it and can tear things apart to get to it.
You can't blame the bears - they are looking for food, and garbage is an easy lunch for them. Be sure to keep your BBQ equipment clean and out of their reach, too. They have been known to tear grills apart to get to the grease and drippings.

This is such nice weather, we all want to be outside doing fun stuff, but just be aware that the bears are roaming, often with their cubs, and it's never wise to get close to the young or between a mother bear and her cubs. Here are some safety tips you should know just in case you encounter a bear. 

And thanks to Kate for reminding me to remind all of you.