Black Bears need a lot of nourishment especially before they start their hibernation cycle. They are constantly hungry, so they constantly scavenge for food. A ready source is near human habitation, our garbage. Since we are a throw-away culture we discard tons of edibles a year. The Black Bear is just being a good recycler when he uses it to fill his needs. But this places him in close proximity to humans. The Black Bear is following instinct, it is up to us to be more aware and diligent.
I know you’re all going to run out and try to pet a Black Bear so I’ll pass on a little advice I’ve picked up here and there. I don’t want any fatalities when you have a chance to view one of these beautiful creatures.
First off if you spot a Black Bear strolling toward you and it is still some distance away make a loud noise so it knows you are there.
Never run from a Black Bear. If you run this sets off its natural attack response. There is no way a human can outrun a bear no matter how fast you think you are. Back up slowly, away from the bear while always facing it. Also talk to the bear in a gentle voice to keep it calm. This doesn’t work on all wild animals but does on some.
So keep going backwards until the bear thinks you are far enough away. If given the chance a Black Bear would rather flee than confront you.
Limit your contact with Black Bears. This might seem like a no brainer but people have a fascination with bears (or any wild animal really) so they try to get close to take pictures, study, or just be near them.
Don’t feed Black Bears. This makes them prone to follow humans and beg for food. They also become used to human contact. Since humans come in all shapes, sizes and attitudes bears do not know what a human may intend.
Which brings up another point, don’t throw things at a bear. I know this seems like common sense but you would be surprised at how few people have common sense. A Black Bear probably won’t attack you if you throw something at it. But you do have a good chance of startling the bear so it runs off. When it does run it may cross someone else’s path, the bear would most likely attack that person. Sounds far fetched (and convoluted) but this scenario has happened.
If you are camping there are numerous precautions you should take. Black Bears have learned people are the messiest species in the forest.
Keep a clean camp. Do not throw leftovers into the woods. Police your area, any bit of food that has been dropped or discarded will attract a bear. Do not pour out grease, burn it. Wash all of your dishes and pots then dump your wash water far from your camp. Hang any clothes that may have food on them out of the bear’s reach. All cans and bottles should be washed like the dishes then stored in plastic bags.
Never leave food or garbage unattended and if you do leave, hang the food at least 12 feet off the ground.
So be safe and remember dangerous Black Bears are rare. Stay calm, no sudden movements, and you’ll be fine.
And always be mindful the Black Bear is a living being, treat it with respect so you and the generations after you will be able to enjoy their presence.
Tomorrow-The Future of the Black Bear.
I know you’re all going to run out and try to pet a Black Bear so I’ll pass on a little advice I’ve picked up here and there. I don’t want any fatalities when you have a chance to view one of these beautiful creatures.
First off if you spot a Black Bear strolling toward you and it is still some distance away make a loud noise so it knows you are there.
Never run from a Black Bear. If you run this sets off its natural attack response. There is no way a human can outrun a bear no matter how fast you think you are. Back up slowly, away from the bear while always facing it. Also talk to the bear in a gentle voice to keep it calm. This doesn’t work on all wild animals but does on some.
So keep going backwards until the bear thinks you are far enough away. If given the chance a Black Bear would rather flee than confront you.
Limit your contact with Black Bears. This might seem like a no brainer but people have a fascination with bears (or any wild animal really) so they try to get close to take pictures, study, or just be near them.
Don’t feed Black Bears. This makes them prone to follow humans and beg for food. They also become used to human contact. Since humans come in all shapes, sizes and attitudes bears do not know what a human may intend.
Which brings up another point, don’t throw things at a bear. I know this seems like common sense but you would be surprised at how few people have common sense. A Black Bear probably won’t attack you if you throw something at it. But you do have a good chance of startling the bear so it runs off. When it does run it may cross someone else’s path, the bear would most likely attack that person. Sounds far fetched (and convoluted) but this scenario has happened.
If you are camping there are numerous precautions you should take. Black Bears have learned people are the messiest species in the forest.
Keep a clean camp. Do not throw leftovers into the woods. Police your area, any bit of food that has been dropped or discarded will attract a bear. Do not pour out grease, burn it. Wash all of your dishes and pots then dump your wash water far from your camp. Hang any clothes that may have food on them out of the bear’s reach. All cans and bottles should be washed like the dishes then stored in plastic bags.
Never leave food or garbage unattended and if you do leave, hang the food at least 12 feet off the ground.
So be safe and remember dangerous Black Bears are rare. Stay calm, no sudden movements, and you’ll be fine.
And always be mindful the Black Bear is a living being, treat it with respect so you and the generations after you will be able to enjoy their presence.
Tomorrow-The Future of the Black Bear.
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