Blue Ridge Explorers with Tamara S. Randolph

Blue Ridge Explorers:

The Bear Facts: How Much Do You Know?

By Tamara S. Randolph

The High Country is bear country. Summer in the mountains means that our local bears are awake, alert and often interacting with humans in our shared habitat. You’ve likely read a lot about bears and their presence in our communities. But how much do you really know about these gentle giants? According to the NC Wildlife Resources Commission, “… bears are viewed either as dangerous animals or cuddly pets. It is best to avoid these extreme views and instead show a healthy respect for this magnificent forest animal.”

Knowing more about a wild animal and its behaviors can help us better appreciate the animal and co-exist with it. Take this quick quiz to test and expand your own knowledge of our local black bears. Then visit bearwise. org to learn more.

1—The American black bear is a mediumsized bear native to North America. Of the three species of bear that live on our continent, it is the smallest and most widely distributed bear species. What is the scientific name of our local bear? a) Ursus americanus b) Ursus arctos c) Ursus maritimus

2—Full grown black bear males are generally larger than full grown females. Maybe you’ve heard it said, “That bear must have weighed 1,000 pounds!” What is the average weight of an adult male black bear? a) 100-200 pounds b) 400-500 pounds c) 800-1,000 pounds

3—True or False? Black bears are not considered to be smart animals.

American Black Bear Cub-Photo by Tina Shaw-USFWS

4—Bears are excellent athletes; they are great tree climbers, good swimmers and are speedy runners. How fast have they been “clocked” running? a) 15 mph b) 35 mph c) 55 mph

5—Reality or Myth? A black bear that is standing on its hind legs is about to charge.

6—In the case of a surprise close encounter with a bear, what should you do? a) Run b) Stand your ground c) Climb a tree d) Play dead

7—If you see a mother bear and her cubs, you should: a) Try to approach them b) Chase them away c) Be calm and give mother and cubs plenty of room

8—If you see a bear cub that appears to be all alone, you should: a) Leave it as quickly as possible b) Feed it c) Try to rescue it

9—Dogs are involved in more than half of all reported incidents involving people and black bears. Nearly half of the dogs involved in these dog-bear encounters are injured or killed. What’s more, dog owners are also injured. The easiest way to avoid these dangerous incidents is to: a) Let your dog run free and “tree” the bear b) Leash up your dog c) Learn more about the behaviors of dogs and bears at bearwise.org

10—A bear’s weight fluctuates throughout the year. In spring, black bears tend to eat mostly plants. In summer, they feast on berries and insects, and in fall, they indulge on nuts and more berries. [They also eat carrion (dead animals), small mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians throughout the year, depending on availability.] During the spring and summer months, 5,000 calories a day is the norm. In the fall months, as they prepare for denning season, a bear will consume approximately: a) 10,000 calories/day b) 15,000 calories/day c) 20,000 calories/day

11—True or False? N.C. black bears hibernate.

12—While denning, black bears can go as many as ____ days without eating, drinking, or eliminating waste. a) 30 b) 75 c) 100

Answers on page 84.

Our local black bears can provide wonderful wildlife watching opportunities. The key is to keep yourself and your pets at a safe distance and to encourage bears to find their own healthy, natural foods. According to bearwise.org, the bears that hang around neighborhoods or businesses are symptoms of a larger problem. Their continued presence means that they are likely finding and eating unsecured garbage, birdseed from feeders, pet foods, or other non-natural, humanprovided foods. If you eliminate the humanprovided food sources, you can eliminate the problem and help keep people safe and bears wild. You can build up more “bear knowledge” at www.bearwise.org and https://www.ncwildlife.org/.

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*Avery County is the only county in North Carolina where the County does not provide any animal control resources. They’re just two of many animals in our community who have been affected by abandonment, neglect, or abuse, yet could not speak out for themselves.

If you live in Avery County* and want to support efforts to rescue and care for animals in need, make your voice heard. When our voices are heard, so are the animals’. Speak Out Take Action