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The Black Bear
Ursus Americanus-Black bears are large animals, usually brownish or cinnamon colored, though some have patches of white and black on the chest. An adult weighs between 300 and 400 pounds on average. The largest Black bear ever recorded weighed just over 800 pounds! They are carnivores, but do eat wild berries, and plants. Bears also really like honey. They are even known to eat the bees too. One thing bears don't like to eat, is humans. Only in rare cases have they attacked.
This is because bears have little reason to bother with us. They like the smell of food and waste, and will come in search of it. We should keep all food in our cars while camping or staying around bears. They don't, however, like the smell of humans. If we keep all food away, and don't interfere with a mother's cubs, (No matter how cute and cuddly they look! Remember mothers have a strong bond with their cubs, and their mates.) both humans and bears will be happy.
Each bear has his or her own personality, much like humans. Some will run from us immediately, and some are more curious. No matter what, don't get close. If a bear approaches you, talk loudly, and back away slowly. Don't run! If the bear tries to attack you, yell and fight back. Most bears are as afraid of you as you are of them. As long as we remember that we are in their home, and respect them, our experiences with bears can be wonderous but safe. |
Everett & Daughter