BEAR The American Black Bear inhabits forested areas, although it has become more common in suburban areas, as it's natural forage supply is destroyed by development and environmental factors...Read More View All Bear Tips

 

In truth, black bears are peaceful animals that will leave you alone if you leave them alone, right? Well, sometimes, and sometimes not, says survival expert Wayne Fears. He says that normally, black bears are reclusive and run away from humans, but not always. And Fears says when the exception does occur, the results can be tragic.

He advises that probably the most dangerous situation is encountering a sow bear with cubs. In any black bear encounter, back away slowly while maintaining eye contact with the bear. If you turn and run, this could trigger a charge, and when black bears charge, they mean to hurt you.

"Black bears hurt and kill more people every year than grizzlies and polar bears put together," says Fears. "Simply, it's because black bears are closer to populated areas."

"Another reason is people have seen ‘Smoky the Bear' so much, they think black bears are big teddy bears," he warns. "I've seen people do some strange things with a black bear that they wouldn't do with a grizzly or polar bear. Try to get close and make pictures, that sort of thing."

"Black bears can be dangerous. They would rather be left alone, and rather not be around people, other than getting in their garbage for something to eat. Black bears are to be treated with respect and caution and that's something you can't emphasize enough."

COMMENTS

John D. Nash

You indicate that black bears injure or kill more people than other species, but, you do not tell the public how many are injured, or killed. I think your article may provide some false fear of black bears. I think it important to give your viewers some real statistics. I would bet, that more people are injured, or killed by dogs, in any given year, than by bears. Can you answer this?
Thank you.

John D. Nash

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