Category Archives: Black Bear
Reproduction
Mating season: Late May through June in northeastern Minnesota but into August in eastern and southern states. Males are ready to mate throughout that period but each female is ready…
What If I Get Between a Black Bear Mother and Her Cubs?
One of the biggest misconceptions about black bears is that mothers are likely to attack people in defense of cubs. That is a grizzly bear trait. 70% of the killings…
Longevity and Causes of Death
Potential Longevity (lifespan): Black bears can live 21-39 1/2 years or more if they are not killed. Causes of Death: In Minnesota, black bears less than 16-17 months old typically…
Berries – a Critical Food
Berries are important foods throughout the black bear range. The most commonly eaten berries in northeastern Minnesota are sarsaparilla berries, juneberries, cherries, dogwood berries, blueberries, and raspberries. Many other berries…
What Does Steve Herrero Say About Mothers Defending Cubs?
In his book “Bear Attacks” (1985), biologist Steve Herrero described experiences of researchers with mother black bears and cubs. Herrero wrote: “Researchers studying black bears confirm that black bear females…
Capabilities
Vision: Bears see in color and have good close-up vision. Distance vision (over 200 yards) untested. Hearing: Exceeds human frequency ranges and is probably twice the sensitivity. Smelling: Smelling ability…
What About Bears and Dogs?
Black bears usually run away when dogs chase them. Even the smallest breeds of dogs have scared black bears away. However, bears learn to ignore dogs that are tied up…
Ant Brood – an Important Food
Ant specialists refer to ant larvae and pupae as “brood.” These digestible clumps of fat and protein are the main source of animal protein for black bears over much of…
Problems
Living with Bears: Many people are moving into black bear habitat. The bears’ future depends on how well we understand and tolerate them. Misconceptions: People have demonized bears in many…
Black Bear Color Phases
Black bears come in more colors than any other North American mammal. They can be black, brown, cinnamon, blond, blue-gray, or white. East of the Great Plains, nearly all are…
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