Authorities say a black bear somehow locked itself inside a Montana home and then nestled onto a closet shelf that wasn't too hard, wasn't too soft, but just right for a nap. Missoula County sheriff's officials say the bear just yawned when deputies knocked on the window and unlocked the door in an attempt to coax it to leave Friday morning.

RAY BROOK — In the summer of 2018, there were dozens of bear-related incidents in the North Country, including a recurring campsite raider that was eventually euthanized by the state Department of Environmental Conservation. DEC advised campers and hikers that it may be prudent to purchase and carry bear spray to help defend oneself in the event of a bear encounter. But to the chagrin of many, bear spray is essentially illegal in New York. Simply put, New Yorkers are allowed, by law, to carry self-defense spray. However, sprays marketed as “bear spray” far exceed what state law allows.

The only thing not illegal in New York is illegal immigrants. That's kind of a cheesy pun, but there is a lot of truth to it. But then again, if you want to stay away from bears, keep out of the Adirondack villages and campgrounds, and head back to the wilderness. As we all know -- there are virtually no bears in the wilderness.