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The '''American black bear''' ('''''Ursus americanus''''') is a medium-sized omnivorous bear found in forested areas throughout North America, and the only type of bear native to the Southeast. Its range has been reduced and fragmented by human settlement and populations are most stable in Northern Canada and along the Rocky and Appalachian ranges.
The '''American black bear''' ('''''Ursus americanus''''') is a medium-sized omnivorous bear found in forested areas throughout North America, and the only type of bear native to the Southeast. Its range has been reduced and fragmented by human settlement and populations are most stable in Northern Canada and along the Rocky and Appalachian ranges.


The subspecies '''''Ursus americanus americanus''''' or '''Eastern black bear''' predominates in the Eastern half of the continent, while another subspecies, '''''Ursus americanus floridanus''''' or "'''Florida black bear'''" is found in southern Alabama and Georgia and Florida.
The subspecies '''''Ursus americanus americanus''''' or '''Eastern black bear''' predominates in the Eastern half of the continent, while another subspecies, '''''Ursus americanus floridanus''''' or "'''Florida black bear'''" is found in southern Alabama, Georgia and Florida.


Black bears became genetically distinct from brown bears and polar bears approximately 5.05 million years ago, in the early part of the Pliocene epoch. American and Asian black bears are more closely related to each other than to other bear species, having diverged approximately 4.08 million years ago. Early specimens displayed larger average size than modern bears, though the fossil record is incomplete. It is believed that the American black bears' flexibility in diet and behavior equipped it to survive where other species died off during disruptions in climate and vegetation. Native Alabamians of the Creek nations called the black bear "nokose", while Cherokee people named it "gv-ni-ge-yo-na." During the settlement of Alabama bears were considered dangerous and were hunted freely.
Black bears became genetically distinct from brown bears and polar bears just over five million years ago, in the early part of the Pliocene epoch. American and Asian black bears are more closely related to each other than to other bear species, having diverged approximately 4.08 million years ago. Native Alabamians of the Creek nations called the black bear "nokose", while Cherokee people named it "gv-ni-ge-yo-na." During the settlement of Alabama, bears were considered dangerous and were hunted freely. [[Bear Meat Cabin]] in present-day [[Jones Valley]] was son named because it was the home of a trader proffering meat and skins from bears.


More than 800,000 bears are thought to survive in the wild, with around half of them in the United States. Though no stable breeding groups are currently known in Alabama, bear populations at the edges of its range are thought to be increasing in recent decades, including a number of sitings in Alabama. A wild black bear, nicknamed "[[Bruno (bear)|Bruno]]" was captured in [[Smithfield]] in June [[1993]] and housed temporarily at the [[Birmingham Zoo]] before it was released in Tennessee's Cherokee National Forest.
More than 800,000 bears are thought to survive in the wild, with around half of them in the United States. Though no stable breeding groups are currently known in Alabama, bear populations at the edges of its range are thought to have been increasing in recent decades, leading to a number of sightings in Alabama. The [[Little River Canyon]] is used as a corridor by bears pushed out of the developing areas between Atlanta, Georgia and Chattanooga, Tennessee due to loss of habitat. At least 26 individuals were recorded in the canyon in [[2012]] and [[2013]]. One tagged female came into the region from Georgia and had a litter of cubs before it was shot and killed by a homeowner. Several bear sightings were reported in Northern [[Jefferson County]] in the summer of [[2017]]. One was spotted outside a [[Waffle House]] in [[Leeds]] in June [[2018]].


A wild black bear, nicknamed "[[Bruno (bear)|Bruno]]" was captured in [[Smithfield]] in June [[1993]] and housed temporarily at the [[Birmingham Zoo]] before it was released in Tennessee's Cherokee National Forest.


==Habitat==
==Description==
Black bears prefer hardwood forests with thick understory and plentiful mast (edible plant materials such as nuts, leaf buds, berries and droops). In the southern Appalachians it is the mixed mesophytic oak-hickory forests that support bear populations.  
Black bears vary greatly in size and weight depending on age, gender, health and season. Adult males in the Smoky Mountains averaged 250 pounds and females averaged 104 pounds in one study. Exceptionally large individual black bears, weighing more than 1,000 pounds have been reported. Hibernating bears often lose 30 percent of their body weight over winter.


==Physical description==
They have broad, rounded heads with narrow muzzles and round ears set well back. Their paws are proportionally large, with black pads and rounded black or dark gray-brown claws. Their tails are vestigial, usually less than 5 inches long.
Black bears vary greatly in size and weight depending on age, gender, health and season. Adult males in the Smoky Mountains averaged 250 pounds and females averaged 104 pounds in one study. Exceptionally large individual black bears, weighing more than 1,000 pounds have been reported. Hibernating bears often lose 30 percent of their body weight over winter. They have broad, rounded heads with narrow muzzles and round ears set well back. They have proportionally large paws with black pads and rounded black or dark gray-brown claws. Their tails are vestigial, usually less than 5 inches long.


Their fur is dense and soft. Almost all southern black bears have black fur, though white, blond, cinnamon and a range of brown colors have been found in the species, usually in more arid climates in the West.
Black bear fur is dense and soft. Almost all southern black bears have black fur, though white, blond, cinnamon and a range of brown colors have been found in the species, usually in more arid climates in the West.


==Behaviour==
===Behavior===
Black bears are strong and dexterous. They can lift heavy rocks and operate simple devices such as screw-top and door knobs. They can run at up to 30 miles per hour, swim well, and climb trees readily. Their sense of smell is reportedly seven times greater than a dog's. They have acute senses of hearing and eyesight, and are able to distinguish colors.
Black bears are strong and dexterous. They can lift heavy rocks and operate simple devices such as screw-tops and door knobs. They can run at speeds of up to 30 miles per hour, swim well, and climb trees readily. They have a powerful sense of smell, as well as acute hearing and eyesight, and are able to distinguish colors.


Black bears produce a range of sounds, including aggressive growls, snorts bellows and roars as well as a number of mumbles and squeaks expressing apparent contentment in social situations.
Black bears produce a range of sounds, including aggressive growls, snorts bellows and roars as well as a number of mumbles and squeaks expressing apparent contentment in social situations.


American black bears tend to range alone when foraging for food, except when raising cubs or taking advantage of abundant food sources, such as spawning fish or garbage dumps. When several bears feed in the same area, the largest males are dominant and control the best spots.
American black bears are usually nocturnal, especially when close to human settlements. They tend to range alone when foraging for food, except when raising cubs or taking advantage of abundant food sources, such as spawning fish or garbage dumps. When several bears feed in the same area, the largest males dominate the choicest spots. Bears travel long distances and mark their territories by rubbing their bodies against trees and scratching at the bark with their claws.


Bears travel long distances and mark their territories by rubbing their bodies against trees and scratching at the bark with their claws. They are usually nocturnal, especially when close to human settlements.
Bear sows typically produce a first litter of cubs when 3 to 5 years old. They usually breed in summer, with males seeking several partners during a breeding season. Fertilized eggs are slow to implant and the cubs, 1 to 6 in a litter, are typically born in January and February. Black bear cubs first appear weighing less than a pound and sporting a downy gray coat and closed eyes. They are born with underdeveloped hindquarters and begin walking after five weeks and are weaned after about 30 weeks. They remain with their mother until reaching 16-18 months and reach their full size at around five years.
 
Bear sows usually produce their first litters of cubs when 3 to 5 years old, though pressures from range reduction sometimes lead them to mate earlier. They usually breed in summer with males seeking several partners during a breeding season. Fertilized eggs are slow to implant and the cubs, 1 to 6 in a litter, are typically born in January and February. Black bear cubs first appear weighing less than a pound and sporiting a downy gray coat and closed eyes. They are born with underdeveloped hindquarters and begin walking after five weeks and are weaned after about 30 weeks. They remain with their mother until reaching 16-18 months and become sexually mature at around three years and reach their full size at around five years.


A black bear's average life span is about 18 years, with individuals reported to reach 31 years in the wild and 44 years in captivity. There are few threats to an adult bear's survival if it has access to an expansive feeding range. Cubs are vulnerable to numerous large predators and juveniles are sometimes killed by brown bears where they share territory. Undernourished individuals are threatened with starvation during hibernation. Most black bear deaths are attributable to human activities such as hunting, trapping and auto-collisions.  
A black bear's average life span is about 18 years, with individuals reported to reach 31 years in the wild and 44 years in captivity. There are few threats to an adult bear's survival if it has access to an expansive feeding range. Cubs are vulnerable to numerous large predators and juveniles are sometimes killed by brown bears where they share territory. Undernourished individuals are threatened with starvation during hibernation. Most black bear deaths are attributable to human activities such as hunting, trapping and auto-collisions.  


===Hibernation===
Although black bears are genetically adapted for hibernation, many living in warmer climates with longer growing seasons spend less time in metabolic dormancy. Black bears often carve dens out of hollow trees, fallen logs or in cliff banks or caves. Bears in hibernation may occasionally waken to forage, and litters are typically born in the winter months and nurtured in dens until Spring. Florida black bears rarely hibernate unless pregnant.
Although black bears are genetically adapted for hibernation, many living in warmer climates with longer growing seasons spend less time in metabolic dormancy. Black bears often carve dens out of hollow trees, fallen logs or in cliff banks or caves. Bears in hibernation may occasionally waken to forage, and litters are typically born in the winter months and nurtured in dens until Spring. Florida black bears rarely hibernate unless pregnant.


===Diet===
===Habitat and diet===
Black bears prefer hardwood forests with thick understory and plentiful mast (edible plant materials such as nuts, leaf buds, berries and droops). In the southern Appalachians it is the mixed mesophytic oak-hickory forests that best support bear populations.
 
Bears forage habitually in the morning and twilight hours for vegetation. In late winter, bears coming out of hibernation will eat whatever they find, including carrion. In spring most of their diet consists of new plant shoots and tree buds. In the summer berries and fruits become more available. As they prepare for winter, bears forage for most of the day to put on weight. Nuts and acorns predominate in the autumn diet, and may be gathered from trees or by raiding squirrel caches. Fall also brings bears farther outside their normal ranges where they may feed on farm crops, human refuse, beehives and bird feeders.  
Bears forage habitually in the morning and twilight hours for vegetation. In late winter, bears coming out of hibernation will eat whatever they find, including carrion. In spring most of their diet consists of new plant shoots and tree buds. In the summer berries and fruits become more available. As they prepare for winter, bears forage for most of the day to put on weight. Nuts and acorns predominate in the autumn diet, and may be gathered from trees or by raiding squirrel caches. Fall also brings bears farther outside their normal ranges where they may feed on farm crops, human refuse, beehives and bird feeders.  


In addition to plant matter, bears hunt for beehives and eat both honey and bees, as well as ants and numerous varieties of insect larvae. They will also consume bird eggs found in trees. Some black bears are active fishers, but that habit is more common in northwestern salmon streams. In Spring bears sometimes prey on juvenile deer by ambush, dragging prey to cover. They will also take animals shot by hunters if left undisturbed.
In addition to plant matter, bears hunt for beehives and eat both honey and bees, as well as ants and numerous varieties of insect larvae. They will also consume bird eggs found in trees. Some black bears are active fishers, but that habit is more common in northwestern salmon streams. In Spring bears sometimes prey on juvenile deer by ambush, dragging prey to cover. In colder climates, bears damage trees by stripping the bark to eat the cambium layer of wood. They will also forage farm crops such as apples, corn and oats, and will take small livestock by force, or feed on animals shot by hunters if they are left undisturbed.
 
 
 
==Relationships with humans==
 
===In folklore, mythology and culture===
Black bears feature prominently in the stories of some of America's [[Indigenous peoples of the Americas|indigenous people]]s. One tale tells of how the black bear was a creation of the [[Great Spirit]], while the grizzly was created by the Evil Spirit.<ref>Lippincott, Joshua B. (2009) ''Folklore and Legends of the North American Indian'', Abela Publishing Ltd, ISBN 0-9560584-6-9</ref> In the mythology of the [[Haida people|Haida]], [[Tlingit people|Tlingit]], [[Tsimshian]] people of the Northwest Coast, mankind first learned to respect bears when a girl married the son of black bear Chieftain.<ref>Bastian, Dawn Elaine and Mitchell, Judy K. (2004). ''Handbook of Native American mythology'', ABC-CLIO, ISBN 1-85109-533-0</ref> In [[Kwakiutl]] mythology, black and brown bears became enemies when Grizzly Bear Woman killed Black Bear Woman for being lazy. Black Bear Woman's children, in turn, killed Grizzly Bear Woman's own cubs.<ref>[[Julia Averkieva|Averkieva, Julia]] and [[Mark Sherman (collector)|Sherman, Mark]], ''Kwakiutl String Figures'', UBC Press, 1992, ISBN 0-7748-0432-7</ref> The [[Navajo people|Navajo]] believed that the Big Black Bear was chief among the bears of the four directions surrounding Sun's house, and would pray to it in order to be granted its protection during raids.<ref>Clark, LaVerne Harrell (2001). ''They sang for horses: the impact of the horse on Navajo & Apache folklore'', University Press of Colorado, ISBN 0-87081-496-6</ref>
 
[[Morris Michtom]], the creator of the [[teddy bear]], was inspired to make the toy when he came across a cartoon of [[Theodore Roosevelt]] refusing to shoot a black bear cub trapped up a tree.<ref name="LoC">{{cite web| url=http://www.americaslibrary.gov/cgi-bin/page.cgi/aa/presidents/roosevelt/bears_1| title=Teddy Bears| publisher=Library Of Congress| accessdate=2007-12-10| archiveurl= http://web.archive.org/web/20071217035253/http://www.americaslibrary.gov/cgi-bin/page.cgi/aa/presidents/roosevelt/bears_1| archivedate= 17 December 2007 | deadurl= no}}</ref> [[Winnie the Pooh]] was named after [[Winnipeg the Bear|Winnipeg]], a female black bear cub that lived at [[London Zoo]] from 1915 until her death in 1934.<ref name="winnie">[https://web.archive.org/web/20070703045949/http://www.cbc.ca/winnie/ ''A Bear Named Winnie''] CBC.ca TV (2004)</ref> A black bear cub who in the spring of 1950 was caught in the [[Capitan Gap fire]] was made into the living representative of [[Smokey Bear]], the mascot of the [[United States Forest Service]].<ref name="smoke">{{cite web|url=http://web.archive.org/web/20100619235709/http://nationalzoo.si.edu/Publications/ZooGoer/2002/6/smokey.cfm |title=Zoogoer Nov/Dec 2002 Sidebar: Smokey Comes to Washington by Alex Hawes |publisher=Nationalzoo.si.edu |accessdate=2011-02-21}}</ref>
 
The American black bear is the mascot of [[The University of Maine]] and [[Baylor University]], where the university houses two live black bears on campus.
 
[[Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore|Sleeping Bear Dunes]] is named after a Native American legend, where a female bear and her cub swam across Lake Michigan. Exhausted from their journey, the bears rested on the shoreline and fell sound asleep. Over the years, the sand covered them up, creating a huge sand dune.
 
===Attacks on humans===
Although an adult bear is quite capable of killing a human, American black bears typically avoid confronting humans when possible. Unlike [[grizzly bears]], which became a subject of fearsome legend among the European settlers of North America, black bears were rarely considered overly dangerous, even though they lived in areas where the pioneers had settled. Black bears rarely attack when confronted by humans, and usually limit themselves to making mock charges, emitting blowing noises and swatting the ground with their forepaws. However, according to Stephen Herrero in his ''Bear Attacks: Their Causes and Avoidance'',<ref name="Herrero"/> 23 people were killed by black bears from 1900 to 1980. The number of black bear attacks on humans is higher than those of the [[brown bear]] in North America, though this is largely because the black species considerably outnumbers the brown rather than greater aggressiveness. [[File:Bearmailbox.JPG|thumb|left|The incidence of bear attacks in parks and campgrounds declined after the introduction of bear-resistant garbage cans and other reforms]]Compared to brown bear attacks, aggressive encounters with black bears rarely lead to serious injury. However, the majority of black bear attacks tend to be motivated by hunger rather than territoriality, and thus victims have a higher probability of surviving by fighting back rather than submitting. Unlike grizzlies, female black bears do not display the same level of protectiveness to their cubs, and seldom attack humans in their vicinity.<ref name="Herrero"/> However, occasionally, attacks by protective mothers do occur.<ref name="Lariviere"/> The worst recorded fatality incident occurred in May 1978, in which a black bear killed three teenagers who were fishing in Algonquin Park in Canada.<ref name="kruuk"/> Another exceptional, spree-like attack occurred in August 1997 in [[Liard River Hot Springs Provincial Park]] in Canada, when an emaciated black bear attacked a child and mother, killing the mother as well as an adult man who tried to intervene. This bear was shot while mauling a fourth victim.<ref name="OutdoorLifeApril11999">{{cite web|url=http://www.outdoorlife.com/article/Hunting/Black-Bears--Simple-Fools-or-Cunning-Killers|title=Black Bears—Simple Fools or Cunning Killers|last=Shockey|first=Jim|date=1999-04-01|publisher=Outdoor Life|accessdate=2008-10-20}}</ref><ref name="17Aug1997LAT">{{cite news|title=Black Bear Kills Texas Woman, Canadian Man|url=http://articles.latimes.com/1997/aug/17/news/mn-23311|accessdate=25 December 2010|newspaper=[[Los Angeles Times]]|date=17 August 1997}}</ref>
 
The majority of attacks happened in national parks, usually near campgrounds, where the bears had become [[habituation|habituated]] to close human proximity and food conditioned.<ref name="Herrero"/> 1,028 incidents of black bears acting aggressively toward people, 107 of which resulted in injury, were recorded from 1964 to 1976 in the [[Great Smoky Mountains National Park]], and occurred mainly in tourist hotspots where people regularly fed the bears handouts.<ref name="kruuk">Kruuk, Hans (2002). ''Hunter and hunted: relationships between carnivores and people'', Cambridge University Press, ISBN 0-521-89109-4</ref> In almost every case where open dumps or handouts that had previously attracted black bears were ceased, the amount of aggressive encounters with bears have decreased precipitously over time.<ref name="Lariviere"/> However, in the aforementioned case of the spree attack in Liard River Hot Springs, the attacking bear was believed to have been previously almost fully dependent on a local garbage dump that had closed and was starving as a result of the loss of that food source.<ref name="OutdoorLifeApril11999"/> Attempts to relocate bears are typically unsuccessful, as black bears seem to be able to return to their home range even without familiar landscape cues.<ref name="Lariviere"/>
 
===Livestock and crop predation===
A limitation of food sources in early spring and wild berry and nut crop failures during summer months are probably major contributing factors to black bears regularly feeding from commercial human-based food sources. Crops are frequently eaten by these bears, especially during autumn hyperphagia when natural foods are scarce. Favored crops may include [[apple]]s, [[oat]]s and [[corn]]s.<ref name="Hunter"/> Black bears can do extensive damage in some areas of the northwestern United States by stripping the bark from trees and feeding on the [[Vascular cambium|cambium]]. Livestock depredations by black bears occur mostly in spring. Though black bears have the capacity to (and occasionally do) hunt adult [[cattle]] and [[horse]]s, they seem to prefer smaller, more easily overwhelmed prey such as [[sheep]], [[goat]]s, [[calves]], and [[pig]]s. They normally kill by biting the neck and shoulders, though they may break the neck or back of prey with blows from the paws. Evidence of a bear attack includes claw marks and is frequently found on the neck, back, and shoulders of larger animals. [[Surplus killing]] of sheep and goats are common. Bears have been known to frighten livestock herds over cliffs, causing injuries and death to many animals; whether or not this is intentional is not known.<ref name="Predation" /> Occasionally, pets, especially [[dog]]s which are most prone to harass a bear, are killed by black bears.<ref>[http://www.wjhg.com/home/headlines/Black-Bear-Attacks-Dog-163784946.html Black Bear Attacks Dog]. Wjhg.com. Retrieved on 2012-12-21.</ref> It is not recommended to use unleashed dogs as a deterrent from bear attacks. Although large, aggressive dogs sometimes cause a bear to run, if pressed, angry bears frequently turn the tables and end up chasing the dog in return. A bear in pursuit of a pet dog has the potential to threaten both canid and human lives.<ref>[http://www.nps.gov/dena/frequently-asked-questions-regarding-bears.htm Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Bears – Denali National Park & Preserve]. Nps.gov. Retrieved on 2012-12-21.</ref><ref>[http://www.uaex.edu/Other_Areas/publications/PDF/FSA-9087.pdf Encountering Black Bears in Arkansas]. University of Arkansas uaex.edu</ref>
{{-}}
 
===Hunting and exploitation===
 
====Hunting====
Historically, black bears were hunted by both Native Americans and European settlers. Some Native American tribes,{{which|date=April 2014}} in admiration for the black bear's intelligence, would decorate the heads of bears they killed with trinkets, and place them on blankets. Tobacco smoke would be wafted into the disembodied head's nostrils by the hunter that dealt the killing blow, and would compliment the animal for its courage.<ref name="wood"/> The [[Kutchin]] typically hunted black bears during their hibernation cycle. Unlike the hunting of hibernating grizzlies, which was wrought with danger, black bears took longer to awaken, and was thus safer and easier.<ref name="kutch"/> During the European colonisation of eastern North America, thousands of black bears were hunted for their meat, fat and fur.<ref name="world"/> [[Theodore Roosevelt]] wrote extensively on black bear hunting in his ''Hunting the Grisly and other sketches'', in which he stated "''in [a black bear] chase there is much excitement, and occasionally a slight spice of danger, just enough to render it attractive; so it has always been eagerly followed''". He wrote that black bears were difficult to hunt by stalking, due to their habitat preferences, though were easy to trap. Roosevelt described how in the Southern States, planters regularly hunted black bears on horseback with hounds. [[Wade Hampton III|General Wade Hampton]] was known to have been present at 500 successful black bear hunts, two thirds of which he killed personally. He killed thirty or forty black bears with only a knife, which he would use to stab the bears between the shoulder blades while they were distracted by his hounds.<ref name="TEDDY">{{cite book|author=Roosevelt, Theodore |title=Hunting the Grisly and Other Sketches|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=rXzr9PaITD4C&pg=PT33|year= 2007|publisher=ReadHowYouWant.com|isbn=978-1-4250-7306-0|pages=33–}}</ref> Unless well trained, horses were often useless in black bear hunts, as they often bolted when the bears stood their ground.<ref name="wood"/> In 1799, 192,000 black bear skins were exported from Quebec. In 1822, 3,000 skins were exported from the [[Hudson's Bay Company]].<ref>[[Charles Frederick Partington|Partington, Charles Frederick]] (1835) ''The British Cyclopædia of Natural History: Combining a Scientific Classification of Animals, Plants, and Minerals'', Vol. 1, Orr & Smith.</ref> In 1992, untanned, fleshed and salted black bear hides were sold for an average of $165.{{sfn|Brown|1993|loc=Ch. "Use of Bears and Bear Parts"}}
 
In Canada, black bears are considered as both a big game and furbearer species in all provinces save for New Brunswick and Northwest Territories, where they are only classed as a big game species. There are currently 80,822 licensed black bear hunters in all of Canada. Canadian black bear hunts take place in the fall and spring, and both male and female bears can be legally taken, though some provinces prohibit the hunting of females with cubs, or yearling specimens.<ref name="plan"/>
 
Currently, 28 of the USA's states have black bear hunting seasons. Nineteen states require a bear hunting license, with some also requiring a big game license. In eight states, only a big game license is required to hunt black bears. Overall over 481,500 black bear hunting licences are sold per year. The hunting methods and seasons vary greatly according to state, with some bear hunting seasons including fall only, spring and fall, or year-round. New Jersey, in November 2010, approved of a six-day bear-hunting season in early December 2010 to slow the growth of the black bear population. Bear-hunting had been banned in New Jersey for five years.<ref>{{cite web|author=Sciarrino, Robert |url=http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2010/07/nj_environmental_comissioner_g.html |title=Black bear hunt gets final approval from Department of Environmental Protection head |publisher=NJ.com |date=2010-07-21 |accessdate=2011-02-19}}</ref> A [[Fairleigh Dickinson University]] PublicMind poll found that 53% of New Jersey voters approved of the new season if scientists concluded black bears were leaving their usual habitats and destroying private property.<ref name="autogenerated1">{{cite web|url=http://publicmind.fdu.edu/1011bears/ |title=Bear Necessity? Public Approves of Bear Hunt |publisher=Publicmind.fdu.edu |accessdate=2011-02-19}}</ref> Men, older voters, and those living in rural areas were more likely to approve of a bear-hunting season in New Jersey than women, younger voters, and those living in more developed parts of the state.<ref name="autogenerated1"/> In the western states, where there are large black populations, there are spring and year-round seasons. Approximately 18,845 black bears were killed annually in the USA between 1988–1992. Within this period, annual kills ranged from six bears in South Carolina to 2,232 in Maine.<ref name="plan"/>
 
According to Dwight Schuh in his ''Bowhunter's Encyclopedia'', black bears are the third most popular quarry of bowhunters, behind deer and elk.<ref>Schuh, Dwight R. (1992) ''Bowhunter's Encyclopedia'', Stackpole Books, ISBN 0-8117-2412-3</ref>
 
====Meat and organs====
Black bear meat had historically been held in high esteem among North America's indigenous people and colonists.<ref name="wood"/> Black bears were the only bear species the Kutchin hunted for their meat, though this constituted only a small part of their diet.<ref name="kutch">Nelson, Richard K. ''Hunters of the northern forest: designs for survival among the Alaskan Kutchin'', University of Chicago Press, 1986, ISBN 0-226-57181-5</ref> According to the second volume of ''Frank Forester's field sports of the United States, and British provinces, of North America'':


{{bquote|The flesh of the [black] bear is savoury, but rather luscious, and tastes not unlike pork. It was once so common an article of food in New-York as to have given the name of ''Bear Market'' to one of the principal markets of the city.|x|x|''Frank Forester's field sports of the United States, and British provinces, of North America'' p. 186}}
===Bear attacks===
Though typically shying from confrontation, adult bears have occasionally attacked humans, sometimes killing them. These attacks seem to be motivated by hunger, occurring in park settings where bears become accustomed to finding food at picnic or camping areas. Park officials have been successful in reducing aggressive bear behaviors by enforcing safeguards on food and garbage. If forced into confrontation, a threatened black bear may roar, swat the ground, or make mock charges rather than actually attacking. If harassed, as by an aggressive dog, a bear will give chase. Black bear mothers are not unusually protective toward their cubs, as Grizzly bears are.


Theodore Roosevelt himself likened the flesh of young black bears to that of pork, and not as coarse or flavourless as the meat of grizzlies.<ref>Roosevelt, Theodore. ''Hunting Trips of a Ranchman: Hunting Trips on the Prairie and in the Mountains'', Adamant Media Corporation, ISBN 1-4212-6647-4</ref> The most favoured cuts of the black bear's meat are concentrated in the legs and loins. Meat from the neck, front legs and shoulders is usually ground into [[mincemeat]] or used for [[stew]]s and [[casserole]]s. Keeping the fat tends to give the meat a strong flavour. As black bears can have [[trichinellosis]], cooking temperatures need to be high in order to kill the parasites.<ref name="hunt">Smith, Richard P. (2007) ''Black Bear Hunting'', Stackpole Books, ISBN 0-8117-0269-3</ref>
===Hunting and trapping===
The settlement of North America was undertaken in concert with large-scale hunting of black bears for protection, commercial exploitation, and recreation. Bear skins were valued by furriers in Europe and constituted a major economic resource to trappers in Canada and the northern United States. Black bear fat, specifically the hard fat from the interior, was once valued as a cosmetic article which was thought to promote hair growth while providing an attractive gloss.


Black bear fat was once valued as a cosmetic article which promoted hair growth and gloss. The fat most favoured for this purpose was the hard white fat found in the body's interior. As only a small portion of this fat could be harvested for this purpose, the oil was often mixed with large quantities of hog lard.<ref name="wood"/> However [[animal rights]] activism over the last decade has slowed the harvest of these animals; therefore the lard from black bear has not been used in recent years for the purpose of cosmetics.
In the South, bear hunting was a popular sport for the wealthy, who often used dogs to chase and hold them at bay before killing them from horseback. Bear hunting remains legal in 28 states with varying seasons, limits and licensing requirements. Maine is the state with the largest number of licenses issued and kills reported.


==References==
==References==
* Powell, Roger A. (1997) ''Ecology and Behaviour of North American Black Bears: Home Ranges, Habitat, and Social Organization.'' Chapman & Hall ISBN 0412579901
* Powell, Roger A. (1997) ''Ecology and Behaviour of North American Black Bears: Home Ranges, Habitat, and Social Organization.'' Chapman & Hall ISBN 0412579901
* Edgemon, Erin (August 12, 2014) "Black bear sightings in Alabama are on the rise, but is the population growing?" {{BN}}
* Edgemon, Erin (August 12, 2014) "Black bear sightings in Alabama are on the rise, but is the population growing?" {{BN}}
* Edgemon, Erin (November 4, 2014) "Auburn researchers begin trapping, putting GPS collars on 20 black bears; Little River Canyon joins statewide study". {{BN}}
* Robinson, Carol (June 26, 2017) "It was a bear of a weekend in northern Jefferson County; game cameras capture sightings." {{BN}}


==External links==
==External links==
* [http://wildlife1.wildlifeinformation.org/000ADOBES/Bears/Bears_IUCN_ActionPlan/bearsAP_chapter8.pdf Wildlifeinformation.org: American Black Bear Conservation Action Plan]
* [http://www.mnh.si.edu/mna/image_info.cfm?species_id=415 American black bear] at the Smithsonian Institute
* [http://www.mnh.si.edu/mna/image_info.cfm?species_id=415 Smithsonian Institution—North American Mammals: ''Ursus americanus'' (American black bear)]


[[Category:Bears]]
[[Category:Bears]]
[[Category:Native animals]]
[[Category:Native animals]]

Latest revision as of 08:09, 22 June 2018

The American black bear (Ursus americanus) is a medium-sized omnivorous bear found in forested areas throughout North America, and the only type of bear native to the Southeast. Its range has been reduced and fragmented by human settlement and populations are most stable in Northern Canada and along the Rocky and Appalachian ranges.

The subspecies Ursus americanus americanus or Eastern black bear predominates in the Eastern half of the continent, while another subspecies, Ursus americanus floridanus or "Florida black bear" is found in southern Alabama, Georgia and Florida.

Black bears became genetically distinct from brown bears and polar bears just over five million years ago, in the early part of the Pliocene epoch. American and Asian black bears are more closely related to each other than to other bear species, having diverged approximately 4.08 million years ago. Native Alabamians of the Creek nations called the black bear "nokose", while Cherokee people named it "gv-ni-ge-yo-na." During the settlement of Alabama, bears were considered dangerous and were hunted freely. Bear Meat Cabin in present-day Jones Valley was son named because it was the home of a trader proffering meat and skins from bears.

More than 800,000 bears are thought to survive in the wild, with around half of them in the United States. Though no stable breeding groups are currently known in Alabama, bear populations at the edges of its range are thought to have been increasing in recent decades, leading to a number of sightings in Alabama. The Little River Canyon is used as a corridor by bears pushed out of the developing areas between Atlanta, Georgia and Chattanooga, Tennessee due to loss of habitat. At least 26 individuals were recorded in the canyon in 2012 and 2013. One tagged female came into the region from Georgia and had a litter of cubs before it was shot and killed by a homeowner. Several bear sightings were reported in Northern Jefferson County in the summer of 2017. One was spotted outside a Waffle House in Leeds in June 2018.

A wild black bear, nicknamed "Bruno" was captured in Smithfield in June 1993 and housed temporarily at the Birmingham Zoo before it was released in Tennessee's Cherokee National Forest.

Description

Black bears vary greatly in size and weight depending on age, gender, health and season. Adult males in the Smoky Mountains averaged 250 pounds and females averaged 104 pounds in one study. Exceptionally large individual black bears, weighing more than 1,000 pounds have been reported. Hibernating bears often lose 30 percent of their body weight over winter.

They have broad, rounded heads with narrow muzzles and round ears set well back. Their paws are proportionally large, with black pads and rounded black or dark gray-brown claws. Their tails are vestigial, usually less than 5 inches long.

Black bear fur is dense and soft. Almost all southern black bears have black fur, though white, blond, cinnamon and a range of brown colors have been found in the species, usually in more arid climates in the West.

Behavior

Black bears are strong and dexterous. They can lift heavy rocks and operate simple devices such as screw-tops and door knobs. They can run at speeds of up to 30 miles per hour, swim well, and climb trees readily. They have a powerful sense of smell, as well as acute hearing and eyesight, and are able to distinguish colors.

Black bears produce a range of sounds, including aggressive growls, snorts bellows and roars as well as a number of mumbles and squeaks expressing apparent contentment in social situations.

American black bears are usually nocturnal, especially when close to human settlements. They tend to range alone when foraging for food, except when raising cubs or taking advantage of abundant food sources, such as spawning fish or garbage dumps. When several bears feed in the same area, the largest males dominate the choicest spots. Bears travel long distances and mark their territories by rubbing their bodies against trees and scratching at the bark with their claws.

Bear sows typically produce a first litter of cubs when 3 to 5 years old. They usually breed in summer, with males seeking several partners during a breeding season. Fertilized eggs are slow to implant and the cubs, 1 to 6 in a litter, are typically born in January and February. Black bear cubs first appear weighing less than a pound and sporting a downy gray coat and closed eyes. They are born with underdeveloped hindquarters and begin walking after five weeks and are weaned after about 30 weeks. They remain with their mother until reaching 16-18 months and reach their full size at around five years.

A black bear's average life span is about 18 years, with individuals reported to reach 31 years in the wild and 44 years in captivity. There are few threats to an adult bear's survival if it has access to an expansive feeding range. Cubs are vulnerable to numerous large predators and juveniles are sometimes killed by brown bears where they share territory. Undernourished individuals are threatened with starvation during hibernation. Most black bear deaths are attributable to human activities such as hunting, trapping and auto-collisions.

Although black bears are genetically adapted for hibernation, many living in warmer climates with longer growing seasons spend less time in metabolic dormancy. Black bears often carve dens out of hollow trees, fallen logs or in cliff banks or caves. Bears in hibernation may occasionally waken to forage, and litters are typically born in the winter months and nurtured in dens until Spring. Florida black bears rarely hibernate unless pregnant.

Habitat and diet

Black bears prefer hardwood forests with thick understory and plentiful mast (edible plant materials such as nuts, leaf buds, berries and droops). In the southern Appalachians it is the mixed mesophytic oak-hickory forests that best support bear populations.

Bears forage habitually in the morning and twilight hours for vegetation. In late winter, bears coming out of hibernation will eat whatever they find, including carrion. In spring most of their diet consists of new plant shoots and tree buds. In the summer berries and fruits become more available. As they prepare for winter, bears forage for most of the day to put on weight. Nuts and acorns predominate in the autumn diet, and may be gathered from trees or by raiding squirrel caches. Fall also brings bears farther outside their normal ranges where they may feed on farm crops, human refuse, beehives and bird feeders.

In addition to plant matter, bears hunt for beehives and eat both honey and bees, as well as ants and numerous varieties of insect larvae. They will also consume bird eggs found in trees. Some black bears are active fishers, but that habit is more common in northwestern salmon streams. In Spring bears sometimes prey on juvenile deer by ambush, dragging prey to cover. In colder climates, bears damage trees by stripping the bark to eat the cambium layer of wood. They will also forage farm crops such as apples, corn and oats, and will take small livestock by force, or feed on animals shot by hunters if they are left undisturbed.

Bear attacks

Though typically shying from confrontation, adult bears have occasionally attacked humans, sometimes killing them. These attacks seem to be motivated by hunger, occurring in park settings where bears become accustomed to finding food at picnic or camping areas. Park officials have been successful in reducing aggressive bear behaviors by enforcing safeguards on food and garbage. If forced into confrontation, a threatened black bear may roar, swat the ground, or make mock charges rather than actually attacking. If harassed, as by an aggressive dog, a bear will give chase. Black bear mothers are not unusually protective toward their cubs, as Grizzly bears are.

Hunting and trapping

The settlement of North America was undertaken in concert with large-scale hunting of black bears for protection, commercial exploitation, and recreation. Bear skins were valued by furriers in Europe and constituted a major economic resource to trappers in Canada and the northern United States. Black bear fat, specifically the hard fat from the interior, was once valued as a cosmetic article which was thought to promote hair growth while providing an attractive gloss.

In the South, bear hunting was a popular sport for the wealthy, who often used dogs to chase and hold them at bay before killing them from horseback. Bear hunting remains legal in 28 states with varying seasons, limits and licensing requirements. Maine is the state with the largest number of licenses issued and kills reported.

References

  • Powell, Roger A. (1997) Ecology and Behaviour of North American Black Bears: Home Ranges, Habitat, and Social Organization. Chapman & Hall ISBN 0412579901
  • Edgemon, Erin (August 12, 2014) "Black bear sightings in Alabama are on the rise, but is the population growing?" The Birmingham News
  • Edgemon, Erin (November 4, 2014) "Auburn researchers begin trapping, putting GPS collars on 20 black bears; Little River Canyon joins statewide study". The Birmingham News
  • Robinson, Carol (June 26, 2017) "It was a bear of a weekend in northern Jefferson County; game cameras capture sightings." The Birmingham News

External links

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