Montreat Minute 09/01/23

September 1, 2023

Bears Are Still Around- Be Careful

Bears are still roaming around Montreat in what seems to be record numbers. Cubs, born this year as well as yearlings, are still with their mothers, creating an elevated sense of concern. What should you do since we share the same space? BearWise, the national program of which Montreat is a part, has excellent tips on how to deal with bears. CLICK HERE to read about dealing with bears while walking, hiking or camping.

Montreaters have come up with their own ways of dealing with bears. Here are several ideas that may work for you:

  • Carry a Bear Horn- an extremely loud bear airhorn that startles bears (and you too!). It can be purchased through Amazon.
  • Carry bear spray. The pepper spray shoots 15-25 feet and comes with a holster to carry on your belt. It is available at Ace Hardware.
  • Use mothballs. Bears don’t like the smell of mothballs. Several Montreaters place mothballs in net bags in their trash containers to “dissuade” bears from tearing into the trash. Mothballs are available at hardware stores.
  • Spray/pour pine-based products near areas where bears frequent. Bears dislike the strong scent of pine-based products like Pine-Sol cleaner and pine oil. But avoid using anything with a fresh, lemony or fruity smell. Spray it on posts, walls, floors or pour it into a box of kitty litter and place near the area bears get into.
  • Use an “Unwelcome Mat”. These are electrified mats that deter bears from getting into doors or windows. Go on-line to read about the mats and the size you will need for the most effective deterrent.

Do you have any techniques you have found effective? Send them to us at [email protected] and we will share them in a future Montreat Minute.

Town Offices Closed Labor Day, Monday, September 4

Please note that Town Offices will be closed on Monday, September 4, in recognition of Labor Day. Of course, Police services will be available. Trash pickup will occur on Tuesday, September 5. The Town Trash Convenience Center will be open 24/7 if you need to dispose of trash or recyclables prior to Tuesday.

Flat Creek Crossing Gains Momentum

After a summer of activity and visitors, Montreat Landcare Committee’s latest project, Flat Creek Crossing, is picking up momentum. The project is a welcome initiative for Montreaters and guests. Flat Creek Crossing will transform an unused road near the gate into an accessible “all persons” trail. In addition to creating an accessible trail to the creek, it will improve stormwater control measures and habitat protection on Flat Creek. There will be education stations along the trail highlighting natural features and educating about stormwater management.

The project was approved by the Town Council, and Landcare submitted a grant application to the state for a portion of the funds to build the trail. They expect to hear about the grant next month.

You can help by making a donation for Flat Creek Crossing. Make checks out to Town of Montreat with Flat Creek Crossing in the memo line. Mail to Town of Montreat, PO Box 423, Montreat, NC 28757. For more details, contact George Sawyer at 803/371-2524 or Patti Pyle at 262/573-8242.

Updates and Reminders

  • The Montreat Landcare Committee will meet on Wednesday, September 6, at 9:00am in the Town Hall Community Room. The meeting will be live streamed. CLICK HERE for streaming instructions.
  • Do you receive your own copy of the Montreat Minute or know someone who doesn’t? Sign up for the Sunshine List to receive the Montreat Minute and stay “in the know” about the Town’s happenings. CLICK HERE to sign up for the list!

Questions or Comments?

Do you have Town-related questions or comments to offer? If so, please send them to Angie Murphy at [email protected] and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

Have a great Labor Day weekend!