Animal Friends

The Black Bear
Winter is over and a quick Spring has arrived into hot summer! This means prime weather conditions to invite the American Black Bear out of hibernation. After waking from their deep sleep in the spring, they will begin to forage for berries, roots, nuts, and are not opposed to finding protein from bees, ants, larvae, and yellow jackets. If they live near a human population they will use their incredible sense of smell from miles away to find leftovers in trash cans or even campsite coolers. Using nimble paws to manipulate most jars, cans, and door handles that we may think are closed tight; the black bear can eat most anything. Predators are not a huge concern for these big animals, cubs are more in danger if a coyote or mountain lion is near. As always it’s smart to hike along with others and if you find yourself face to face with a black bear there are steps to keep safe. Speak in a calm, appeasing tone, back away slowly, walk, don't run, and keep your eye on the bear so you can see how it will react. In most cases, the bear will flee.