had an encounter with a black bear in the yard earlier. all safe and good. Came back inside and decided to fire off an email to the HOA all residents distro - my email said as follows: "Hi neighbors, just letting you know that me and dog came face to face with a reasonably sized black bear just now at $address, in case any of you want to bring pets or kids in. SIDE NOTE: I am aware that black bears and generally harmless, and have been here longer than we have and are part of living where we live - so please don't reply all reminding me of this, I am simply letting everyone know for real time info and safety. thanks." 5 minutes go by, first reply: "yeah well, bears have always been here, it's part of living here." FFS.