Overview of Black Bears

I have a video / DVD similar to the following that will be available to hunters when in my presence.

 

 

A practical guide to black bears

 

Black bears (Ursus americanus) are the most common species of bears found in the United States with a home range that extends into 41 of the lower 48 states, and Alaska. The estimate for the total population in the United States is about 300,000 bears. Black bears tend to live in forested areas, but are capable of expanding their home ranges into open grasslands and residential areas. One of the reasons black bears are so adaptive is that they are omnivores (eat both plant and animal matter). This allows them to thrive in a wide variety of habitats.

 

Black bears are relatively small compared to their close relative the grizzly bear (Ursus Arctos). Adult female black bears weigh around 150 lbs., and adult male bears weigh on average 250 lbs. As a comparison, male grizzlies weigh 450-550lbs., and female grizzlies weigh 300-400lbs. It is estimated that up to 85% of a black bear's diet is composed of plant matter. The other 15% is mostly small invertebrates (insects) and the occasional animal carcass.

 

Black bears are not always black. Coat colors range from black to cinnamon to blonde. There is even a species of black bear found only in British Columbia, Canada that is white. These bears are nick named “ghost bears”. Black bears are able to begin reproducing at 3 to 5 years, and typically give birth to 2 offspring while in hibernation during the months of January and February. Black bears have litters every 2 or 3 years. This is because a mother black bear will keep her young with her until they reach the age of 2, or sometimes 3. Once the original cubs are kicked out of the den, the female is ready to produce another litter.

 

When Black Bears Attack!
Although black bear attacks are rare and most victims come out unscathed, this does not negate the fact that black bear attacks do happen and are sometimes fatal. Since 1900, there have been only 45-recorded deaths that were caused by black bears in the North America. This number is very minimal compared to the over 500 conflicts between black bears and humans from 1960 to 1980. Black bear attacks are much more common in the United States than are grizzly bear attacks. The main reason for the difference is the population size of each species. There are approximately 300,000 black bears in the continental United States, whereas there are only about 2000-3000 grizzlies still remaining in the lower 48 states. The larger population of black bears greatly increases the probability of encountering one in the wild.

 

Black bear attacks may occur more frequently than grizzly bear attacks, but this does not mean that black bears are more ferocious than their brown cousins. Ninety percent of all known black bear attacks have only resulted in minor injuries, whereas over half of all grizzly bear attacks have caused major injuries. Black bear attacks/encounters have been most common in national parks where the bears have been desensitized (also known as habituation) to the presence of humans, and have been conditioned to human food and garbage. These “food conditioned” bears have learned to associate humans as an easy and reliable food source, which brings some bears in closer contact with people than would normally be expected. More times than not, bears that have become habituated and/or food conditioned are killed because managers fear that the learned behavior will result in injuries, and possibly death to humans.

 

Black bear attacks can be avoided if proper care and precaution is taken when traveling in black bear country. There are many things that can be done while camping, hiking, fishing and general recreating in black bear country to ensure the safety of everyone involved, humans and bears.

 

To Spray or Not to Spray
The active ingredient in bear spray is capsicum, a pepper derivative. Bear spray has gained much praise as an effective bear deterrent in close range approach situations. Capsicum is a nerve irritant that causes inflammation of soft tissues, particularly around the face (eyes and respiratory tract). The spray is only a temporary discomfort to the victim. The spray is most effective when dispensed from the canister in a fog, or mist. This type of dispersal, along with the noise that the canister makes upon firing, seem to be just as effective of a bear deterrent as the spray itself.

 

Bear spray is not always 100% reliable, especially when the user is inexperienced in the proper use of the deterrent. This is why is it recommended to test out your bear spray canister to make sure that you know how to discharge it contents, because most bear attacks happen in split seconds and end just as quick. The spray is most effective within a range of 20-30 feet. The best place to aim the spray is at the bears face. This allows the capsicum to irritate the nasal passage and lungs of the animal.

 

Human pepper spray and bear spray are 2 different sprays. Always make sure that the spray specifies that it is a bear deterrent. Preliminary reports suggest that bear spray is a good deterrent against aggressive bears. If spending time in black bear country, always be bear safe and aware of your surroundings. Don't expect that bear spray will get you out of every hairy situation. Bear spray is not a substitute for good bear safety techniques and common sense.

 

For a list of recommended bear sprays, visit www.fs.fed.us/r1/wildlife/igbc , and click on pepper spray.

 

Be Smart
Traveling in black bear country is something that millions of people do every year. As civilization continues to move into uncharted territory, black bears and humans will have to learn to live in close quarters with one another. Black bears are not aggressive animals if the proper precautions are taken. Keeping a safe campground and staying safe on the hiking trail is ultimately up to those who use the area. When in bear country, be smart. Think about things that you should, and could do to make sure that black bears will remain a part of the United States wildlife for many years to come. Black bears are amazing creatures; treat them with the respect that they deserve.

 

Source : http://ext.nrs.wsu.edu/publications/Blackbears1.htm