In what could be considered a “reverse Goldilocks” scenario, Ravenna resident Dan Lintz claims a black bear rang his doorbell, ate his flowers, drank from a backyard fountain, posed for a few photos then ran off into the woods.

Lintz was working in the backyard of his Newton Falls Road property in Ravenna Township with his brother Terry when he heard the doorbell ring. With no guests nearby, both brothers were surprised to see a small black bear make its way from the doorbell’s source to the backyard.

“All of a sudden, here comes Yogi,” Lintz told the Record-Courier.

Lintz used his digital camera to take photos of the bear chowing down on some of the flowers in his yard. He scolded the trespasser with a shout of “Hey, stop eating my flowers.” Surprisingly, the bear complied and went to drink out of a nearby fountain. When Lintz shouted again to get the animal’s attention, the bear turned and “posed” long enough for him to snap a few more photos before disappearing back into the woods. Lintz was even able to capture a short video of the intruder before he made a break for it.

Lintz said this isn’t the first time he’s seen wild animals near his property. In addition to the usual deer, he’s seen coyotes and wild turkeys nearby. Black bears (once native to Ohio) are considered endangered but are beginning to repopulate the state. However, sightings are still extremely rare.

Laurie Graber, a wildlife resources technician with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, warns Portage County residents that while seeing a bear can be fascinating, the animals should still be considered wild and dangerous. If a bear is spotted in the area, she recommends securing trash indoors, removing birdfeeders and cleaning grills after a barbecue because the scent may attract the animal.

- John Milligan / 98.5 WNCX