Black Bears – Who, What, Where And When

Renee A. Thomaier Retired New Jersey State Licensed Wildlife Rehabilitator

In North America, the black bear can be found in most of our fifty states. Black bears can sprint up to 35 mph and climb 100 feet up a tree within 30 seconds. Males weigh approximately 150 to 500 pounds, females between 90 and 350 pounds. Black bears live in large ranges, not territories, sharing space with other bears of both sexes, but not at the same time. A male and female during breeding season would be sharing a range, providing them with shelter, food, and mates. Bears have remarkable senses of hearing and smell, preferring natural foods, such as various nuts (considered hard mast), berries and fruits (considered soft mast). Hibernators, winter food sources would be hard mast as the most critical due to the denser source of calories. They have a voracious appetite. Females will be emerging with cubs. The best way to deter bears from entering neighborhoods is to be diligent in securing your trash with a cover. If you have a garage, keep your trash inside until the day of pick-up. Black bears becoming successful in obtaining unnatural food sources in neighboring areas occupied by people, may lose their fear of people, becoming a public safety risk.

Always be aware of your surrounding outdoors, no matter what the season or where you live. Mother bears with cubs are not looking to encounter people, but encounters may happen. The mother will direct her cubs to climb a tree. Should you encounter a mother bear, stay calm, allow plenty of room, even it means changing your planned movement. Leave the area quietly. Black bears generally, not always, display defensive behavior towards people when they feel threatened. Their ears and head may be held low, eyes directed on you. Should you encounter one, don’t encourage a bear’s prey drive. NEVER RUN. Stand your ground until the bear leaves - then walk away. Do not PLAY DEAD. If attacked, fight, kick, punch, throw rocks, whatever you can find. Educate yourself, as every encounter is different.

I gathered the information for this article using multiple sources so statistics may vary slightly. To reach me please call 732-244-2768.

It is illegal to possess, relocate, or cause harm to wildlife for any reason. Managing wildlife without the proper state/federal permits is illegal. Violating laws protecting wildlife, are punishable by law.