WILDLIFE ON THE MOUNTAIN Among the wildlife seen on the Mountain are snakes, skunks, raccoons, squirrels, deer, coyotes, bobcats, wild turkeys, bats, owls... and yes, there are black bears in our midst. Bears live in many North Carolina counties, and they are not usually dangerous unless humans feed or provoke them. Bears are often seen on the Mountain and have even been spotted along Highway 74A. Fact is that humans and bears can co-exist if residents take steps to keep the bears wild and prevent them from becoming a problem. Since the topic of "bears" comes up rather frequently in the community, we present the information below so that you can be more knowledgeable about these animals. MEET THE BLACK BEAR The black bear is the largest wild animal found in North Carolina. Black bears can run up to 30 miles per hour for short distances, climb easily and swim well. They are extremely agile for their size, sometimes standing erect to smell or see better. Bears communicate with various facial and body expressions. They also whine, snort, roar, bawl and snap their teeth. They are near-sighted, but have a keen sense of smell. Bears vary in size, with adult males generally being larger and weighing 300 to 600 pounds. Adult females generally weigh 150 to 200 pounds. Bears have five clawed toes on each foot and teeth that enable them to eat almost anything, from ants to zinnias. The size of the home range of an individual black bear will vary with the concentration of high energy food sources. In general, females will have a home range which is 2 1/2 to 10 square miles while males will normally have a home range which is four times larger. The range of every adult bear is composed of an individual territory of which constitutes its exclusive domain while the rest it co-habits with other bears. The home range of a mature male bear will often overlap the home range of several female bears. Open areas are usually avoided by black bears as they prefer wooded cover. Stream and creek beds are often used as travel lanes because of the thick undergrowth and a barrier-free escape route; this is particularly true in built-up areas. Myth: Black bears are dangerous to humans. Fact: Black bears are usually non-agressive, shy creatures. They avoid humans unless provoked or attracted by human activities. Unprovoked black bear attacks are extremely rare. Myth: It's okay to feed black bears. Fact: Feeding bears can cause them to lose their fear of humans and become pests. Problem bears may eventually have to be destroyed. Myth: Bears that act tame are safe. Fact: Wild bears avoid humans. A tame bear has likely lost its fear of humans and is much more dangerous than a wild bear. Myth: Bears cannot remember where they find food. Fact: Bears remember food sources for years, and probably will return there. If bears find food in one of your storage areas, move it to a more secure location. About 8,500 black bears live in North Carolina, and occupy more than 9 million acres, mainly in the mountains and along the coast. Sighting one of these glossy black animals is an electrifying experience. But having a bear raid your garbage is a nuisance. Humans and bears can live in the same territory if people take steps to keep bears wild and prevent them from becoming a problem. When bears emerge from their winter sleep in March or April, they are very hungry. They will feed on almost anything including bird seed in feeders, grease on a backyard grill, or pet food. Do not feed them or allow them to eat garbage or anything other than wild foods. Bears are most likely to look for human food May through early July because wild foods are less plentiful. Bears prefer berries, nuts, insects, carrion and roots. When wild food is scarce, they may visit populated areas in search of food. In North Carolina, black bears den in November or December. Dens can be hollow trees, rock crevices or piles of leaves on the ground. Black bears are not true hibernators. They enter a state of dormancy or deep sleep, during which their breathing is slowed, their heartbeat and body temperature are reduced. They do not eat, drink or excrete body wastes, but can be easily aroused and fully alert in minutes. June through August is breeding season for bears and during late summer and early fall, bears feed nearly constantly to fatten up for the winter. If you see a bear... try to stay calm. Bears live in many North Carolina counties, and they are not usually dangerous unless humans feed or provoke them. The bear in your backyard may be dispersing through your area or searching for a mate. It will not stay in a settled area unless it finds food. Keep children nearby; keep pets locked up. Don't approach a bear. If it changes its natural behavior (feeding, foraging or movement) because of your presence, you are too close. Never surround or corner a bear. If you happen to meet a bear at close range, back away slowly and make lots of noise. What do bears eat? Black bears are sometimes called carnivores (meat-eaters). In fact, for much of the year, they are herbivores (plant-eaters). Just like humans, they are omnivores (they eat both meat and plants). Black bears eat of wide variety of foods. In spring, when bears come out of their dens, there is not much food, so they will eat grasses, roots, insects, and road kill. In summer, they add mushrooms, and wild berries to their diet. In fall, bears may eat for 20 hours a day. They will eat acorns, hickory nuts, and insects, including bees and yellow jackets. Eating alot of food is important because they have to gain enough weight to survive while they hibernate. When natural food is hard to find, bears will sometimes search for food around peoples' homes; but, if people are careful to keep food, pet food, birdseed, and garbage stored where bears cannot smell them, the bears will stay away. Living With Bears Never feed bears or any wild animals, even if they look hungry or tame. Feeding bears teaches them to seek out human food and garbage. Bears that get used to human foods are much more dangerous than wild bears, and sometimes have to be killed. If a bear seems tame, stay well away. Take extra precautions not to feed bears accidentally — bears are attracted to garbage, food scraps, pet food and many other forms of human food. Keep such foods locked away from bears in strong, safe places. Grills - Clean thoroughly and store in a secure area. Garbare & Scraps - Store garbage in strong, secure buildings or metal, locking containers until pickup. Fence or secure compost, and stop adding compost for three or four weeks if a bear visits. Freeze meat scraps in plastic bags until pickup. Sprinkle lime or ammonia on garbage to reduce odor. Do not leave garbage out overnight! Pets - Store all edibles, such as pet food, in airtight containers in a secure area (such as a basement). Feed pets indoors, providing only enough so that all food is eaten. Do not leave pet foods out overnight! Bird Feeders - If bears visit your feeders, remove feeders for three or four weeks. If bears are persistent problems in the area, remove feeders, including hummingbird feeders from April through November. Feeding Other Animals - Do not feed other wildlife. Feeding wildlife can spread disease and attract bears, especially April through November. Excerpts from "Living in Black Bear Country", a Guide for Preventing Problems with Bears in North Carolina. Division of Wildlife Management, North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission. Additional information links: WildWNC.org Animal Facts: Black Bear, Naturalist's Notes: Bears In Your Backyard