Minn. man mistakes bear for mosquito

A 20-year-old Melrude man says he recently came face-to-face with a large black bear, which sniffed his cheek and snorted at him before wandering away.

Mason Cavanaugh was at a cabin last month on Dinham Lake. He was sitting on the porch when he felt what he thought was yet another pesky mosquito on the back of his neck.

He slapped at the offender and felt something wet and furry. He turned to see the bear rearing up on its hind legs. He was so stunned that he didn't budge.

The bear stood for about 10 seconds before walking over to investigate some nearby bird feeders. Then it came back and sniffed Cavanaugh's face, as he remained motionless.

A Duluth News Tribune report says it eventually ambled away.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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