Sow and cub encounter

[Muleyman8810]

while grouse hunting yesterday my dog and I jumped a sow and cub in a creek bottom. Saw mom first, and then the cub. Mom ran first, essentially leaving the cub behind. I’m wondering is this normal? I thought a sow with cub was bad news? We were only about 20 feet from mom when she ran. Seems odd she abandoned her cub over a 60lb lab barking, no?

This is also the only trail I have to access my intended deer grounds this year, and I’m a little concerned about going back in. The bottom isn’t real wide, and heavily wooded in areas so visibility could get sketchy. Am I being overly cautious? Last thing I want is to put mamma or myself in a bad situation.

 

[mike.adams.467]

I wouldn't worry about it. I have run into several black bear sows with cubs over the years; only once did the sow act a little aggressive. That time, it was in the dark and I could see her in the headlamp, and she walked back and forth woofing, so I gave them a wide berth and went on.