Tip of the cap to the Wyoming Game & Fish Department who are in charge of managing and conserving the more than 800 species of wildlife in the state including this black bear who was caught on camera emerging from its winter hibernation.
Black bears emerging from their den after months of hibernation are typically groggy and down around 15 to 30 percent of their body weight. As they shake off the torpor of inactivity, they are initially quite slow moving and groggy. This period of low activity slowly ramps up as their metabolism returns to normal.
Wyoming Game & Fish Department wants to use the video as a reminder that bears are waking up across the state and anyone venturing into bear country should be prepared:
“Spring has arrived, and bears are starting to wake up for the season. Stay bear-aware while recreating in bear country, especially this time of year, as mama bears with cubs may be protective.” -Wyoming Game & Fish Department
Learn more about recreating safely in bear country from the Wyoming Game & Fish Department below.
Wyoming Game & Fish Department Guidelines To Reacting To Bear Behavior:
In most situations, bears will avoid humans. Being able to identify different behaviors can help you stay safe in bear country and know how to react if you ever encounter a predatory or defensive bear.
If you encounter a bear that does NOT avoid you, you need to determine if it is exhibiting predatory or aggressive/defensive behavior. These behaviors and how you react to them are true for both black and grizzly bears.
Defensive Behavior:
Do not challenge the bear with aggressive body language or direct eye contact. NEVER run away from the bear. If the bear begins to approach, stand your ground and use bear spray if available. If a bear makes contact drop and cover by lying flat on your stomach, inter-lacing your fingers, and placing them on the back of your neck. Do not fight back – once the bear feels the threat is neutralized it will stop attacking.
Signs of defensive behavior: If you encounter a bear acting defensive, you can expect to see any or all of the following behaviors.
Vocalization: You may hear moaning, woofing or jaw popping from the bear.
Body language: A defensive bear can be recognized by ears pinned back, stiffening stance, excessive drooling and head bowing.
Stress behaviors: A defensive bear demonstrates stressed behaviors including paw swatting and bluff charges
Predatory Behavior
Make yourself look as big as possible. Do not back away from the bear – stand your ground. Act aggressively towards the bear by using branches or rocks to deter the bear while yelling in a loud and firm voice. Use bear spray or a weapon to protect yourself.
Signs of predatory behavior: If you encounter a bear acting predatory, you can expect to see any or all of the following behaviors.
NOT defending anything: You may be aware of the bear for an extended length of time.
Acting very interested in you: A predatory bear is often recognized when it appears to be intensely interested in you or deliberately approaches you.
Does not display stress: A predatory bear comes up to you WITHOUT displaying any stress (like moaning, woofing, jaw popping, or paw swatting).