Intro Recap Black Bear

Why are black bears non-aggressive?

• The most aggressive have been hunted over 100's of years

• The most docile were hunted which gave their genes

• They lack the fight instinct in their brain

• The most aggressive evolved into grizzly bears

Which of the following things shouldn't you do if you run into a bear?

• Make eye contact

• Back up slowly

• Remain Calm

• Stay facing them

What is a black bears natural response to danger?

• To run and climb up a tree and hide

• To fight

• To play dead

• To swim in a lake

Black Bears are good at what things?

• Climbing

• Seeing

• Swimming

• Smelling

What should you do if confronted by a black bear?

What are the signs of an aggressive bear?

• Grunting/growling

• Pawing the ground

• Chomping their teeth together

• Standing up

When studying black bears biologist look at these 4 things

• Reproductive Success, Vulnerability to Hunting, Habitat Requirements, and Individual Bears over Time

• The size of the bear, Their Pigmentation, Where they Live, and What they Eat

• The size of bears, Their habitats, Reproductive success, and Vulnerability to Hunting

How long do free loading cubs live with momma bear?

• Typically 1.5 yrs

• .5 yrs

• Typically 2.5 yrs

• Several days

When is bear mating season?

• Mid-May to Mid Sept.

• Mid-Oct to Mid Dec

Why do male black bears kill cubs?

• So that momma bear will enter estrus and he can mate with her

• So that he can have an easy meal

• So that they don't challenge him for territory when they grow up