“Four friends and I were hiking in the cascade mountains at Mount Rainer National park. We just finished our hike and I was using the bathroom and one of my buddies told me I better come to the tent campground as fast as I can. The bear was trying to get into the tent where the man was storing his food. But for some reason was also interested in his feet. Interested enough he took a nibble out of the man’s shoe.”
Chances are you won’t need coffee be wide awake after a midday nap if a bear nibbling on your shoe is what stirs you from your slumber. Great example of why you shouldn’t store even a scrap of food in your tent if you’re camping in bear country (that includes trash, clothes worn while cooking and even toiletries). Find a handy bear safety infographic below by bearwise.org and stay safe out there this summer
Black bears are fascinating creatures that inhabit various parts of North America. Here are some intriguing facts about these charismatic animals:
- Adaptability: Black bears display remarkable adaptability and can thrive in a wide range of habitats, including forests, mountains, swamps, and even urban areas. This adaptability is one of the reasons they have successfully survived in diverse environments.
- Color variation: Despite their name, black bears can come in a variety of colors, including black, brown, cinnamon, and even white. The white or cream-colored individuals, known as Kermode bears or “spirit bears,” are particularly enchanting and are found in certain areas of British Columbia, Canada.
- Climbing prowess: Black bears are excellent climbers. They have strong, curved claws that enable them to scale trees effortlessly. This skill is not only useful for escaping predators but also for accessing food sources such as beehives and bird nests.
- Omnivorous diet: While black bears are classified as omnivores, they are highly adaptable eaters. Their diet varies seasonally and can include berries, nuts, insects, fish, small mammals, and even vegetation. They are particularly fond of berries and can eat vast quantities during the fruiting season.
- Hibernation: Black bears are known for their ability to hibernate. However, their hibernation period is not as deep as that of some other bear species. During winter, black bears enter a state of torpor, where their heart rate and metabolism slow down, but they can still wake up and move around if necessary.
- Communication: Black bears communicate using a variety of vocalizations, body postures, and scent marking. They may growl, huff, woof, or make other vocal sounds to convey their intentions or emotions to other bears.
- Motherly care: Female black bears exhibit strong maternal instincts. They give birth during winter hibernation and care for their cubs for about a year and a half, teaching them essential survival skills before they become independent.
Black bears are captivating creatures, and understanding their behavior and unique characteristics is crucial for their conservation and coexistence with humans.
images from bearwise.org