The body is glossy black, the muzzle tinged with tan. Most attacks by black bears are defensive reactions to a person who is too close, which is an easy situation to avoid. For example, a bear with green tags was handled in 2019, and one with orange tags was handled in 2018, regardless of age, gender, or reason for tagging. In wilderness areas, the diet of the black bear is about 95 per cent vegetation and about 5 per cent insects, mammals and birds. Once you have a safe perch, prepare to use your bear spray. The further west you go, the more likely it is you could see brown, cinnamon, tan or blonde black bears. Black bears are the only species of bear found in Shenandoah National Park. During late summer and fall, black bears fatten up for winter hibernation. As the saying goes: a fed bear is a dead bear. Black bears, for instance, are usually less aggressive and more tolerant of people. Most black bears are active about a half an hour before the sun rises. Since bears will hibernate and not eat for up to five months during the winter, they need to find enough food during the rest of the year to restore their fat reserves. Even though this is a set routine, some black bears are known to switch their routine in order to avoid humans. American black bears are highly arboreal (tree-dwelling), and spend much of their lives in the trees. Bears in the Smoky Mountains are active while getting ready for hibernation this year. Black bears are found in most forested areas from Mexico north to the edge of the tree line in Canada and Alaska. The American black bear usually forages at dusk or at night, but is likely to be active at any time of the day or night. Grizzlies can be black; black bears can be white. Black bears are active from dawn to dusk. They are excellent swimmers, are frequently seen climbing trees, and can run up to 30 miles per hour. If you choose to climb a tree, get as high up in the tree as you can as quickly as possible. Black bears range widely throughout North America, frequenting mountainous forests and swamps as well as woodlots in suburban neighborhoods. But some bears learn to associate people with food, and as a result lose their instinctive fear of humans. Black bears are members of the order Carnivora, which also includes dogs, cats, weasels, and raccoons. In the eastern third of North America, the majority of black bears are a deep black color, and about a quarter of them sport a white chest blaze. Black Bears. Black bears usually go into hibernation around January 1. Most tagged bears have not been caught as problem bears, but rather as part of a project to research the state’s bear population. A new video in the “Living with Florida Black Bears” series advises motorists to use caution while driving through areas where bears may be present. If you’d like to catch a black bear or grizzly on the prowl, we wish you a beary merry fall … so get out here! Black bears that live east of the Mississippi River are predominantly black, and some may have a light blaze on their chest. Depending on the time of year, adult female black bears commonly weigh between 90 to 250 pounds. 3. They can be found in most counties in New York. The map shows the distribution of black bears in Alberta during the early 1990s; the current range encompasses some 488,000 km 2 or about 74% of the province. Often a bear will have on its … In natural habitats, black bears are active during the day. Vermont black bears are relatively shy animals and are seldom seen by people. Both species come in many colours. The black bears in Cades Cove are a majestic sight, indeed; however, there are a few things to be aware of when seeking out this experience. Bears are most active … Black bears are opportunistic eaters. Black bears are extending their range in Alberta and can now be found in almost 75% of the province. Bears in many places of high human use have become nocturnal in order to avoid people. Black bears come in more colors than any other North American mammal. (National Park Service) 4. For more bear safety tips, visit www.bearwise.org . In Virginia most black bears are true black in color unlike black bears found in more western states that can be shades of red, brown or blond. Spotting the black bears in Cades Cove is one of the most sought after experiences when visiting the Cove. Bears may be on the move at any time, but are most active at dusk and dawn. Black Bears in Cades Cove. Ear tag color indicates the year the bear was tagged. American black bears are omnivores, with their diets varying greatly depending on season and location.They typically live in largely forested areas but will leave forests in search of food. Here are the key differences: Grizzlies have a hump between their shoulders and a rounded “dished” face. Black bears are poor hunters, though they will catch fish during spawning season, and if they’re able to ambush a fawn or moose calf in the spring, they will. Like most animals, bears are constantly looking for food and will spend up to eight hours a day foraging. If you cannot escape, DO NOT play dead. But, in heavy human population areas, they will often roam at night. Though rarely seen by most New Yorkers, black bears (Ursus americanus) are valued by hunters, photographers, and wildlife watchers.Many people enjoy just knowing that bears are present in New York. Bears are active right now, preparing for their long hibernation. Night active bears begin a pattern of behavior that usually ends with their death. Black Bears most often eat nuts, berries, vegetation, or insects and grubs found by ripping apart rotting logs. Female bears and … Bears, like most animals, constantly look for food. 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