Bear Facts
Black Bear Facts You Should Know
While pictures of either Yogi the Bear or a ravenous bear on a rampage on television gives the impression of bears being either friendly creatures or man eaters, these are some of the most widely misconstrued bear facts. When either camping or living in areas populated by black bears, it is important to be familiar with some bear facts in order to avoid a negative encounter with them.
Bears in the wild are naturally shy and do not seek out human contact although they may live in close proximity to them. They rarely travel in groups, unless the female black bear has cubs. Instead, they prefer a solitary lifestyle; living in forests, swampy areas and mountainous regions alike in warmer weather. As the seasons change and it becomes colder, black bears seek out dens, caves, river banks, hollow trees and other enclosed areas where they are able to nest through the winter in hibernation or torpor.
The feeding habits are simple for the black bear; facts point to a preferred diet of fish, berries, roots, grasses and other plant life, while it also may include animal life such as deer. Bear do not hunt out humans for food. They may, however, in their hunt for their natural food stumble across human inhabitation. If their own food supply is limited, the black bear will resort to rummaging through human trash if they smell edible components, help themselves to bird feeders in the yard and occasionally ransack a tent to find sustenance. Their motives are purely selfish in simply appeasing their hunger; they are not in search of humans.
Bears have acute senses of hearing, smell and vision that are designed to help them locate food. Their body mass and strength is extremely powerful to provide the means of overturning logs and rocks while foraging, and to dig deep into the earth for the roots and rodents that they enjoy. Despite their large and bulky bodies, black bear, facts show, are able to run very fast; approaching speeds of 50 miles per hour uphill.
Black bear facts are information that everyone who lives or vacations in or around their habitats need to know. The best way to avoid confrontation is in prevention. Keeping trash can lids tightly attached to reduce the odor, keeping bird feeders well up into trees, and avoiding leaving food trash lying about will greatly decrease the chance encounter with a bear.
If an encounter with a black bear is unavoidable, there are bear facts to know and tips to follow to remove yourself and others from the situation safely. The most important of these is not to surprise the bear or try to frighten it away. The bear may perceive these attempts as threats. Also, do not run. Back away slowly, speak in a calm, soothing voice and avoid eye contact. Slowly retreat, and if the bear makes the attempt to leave, allow a wide path for it.
These bear facts can help individuals have a better understanding of the creature, which will be beneficial for the bear’s survival and your own.