Thank you to Vic Barnes for presenting a very interesting and informative talk about Black Bears at the August meeting of the WHG&HS. Vic Barnes and his wife Jacke reside in Silver Cliff, but have spent much time in Yellowstone National Park and on Kodiak Island in Alaska studying bears. Vic is now the manager of the Kodiak Brown Bear Trust.
Black Bears are commonly found in the Hardscrabble area, and residents must be diligent of their surroundings.
A few facts about Black Bears
-Black bears come in different color phases. Most common are black and brown, but they can be white, gray or blond.
-Boars can weight up to 275# and can stand 6' tall.
-Sows can weigh up to 200#
-Black Bears can live to 15-20 years, but only 60% live past their first year. Black bears breed in the spring. Cubs are born during hibernation in February, naked and weighing only 1 pound. Cubs will come out in May and stay with the female through the first year, including hibernation. The following spring, they will be weaned and the female will breed again. Common litters are 1-2 cubs.
-Black Bears can and do climb trees. You will often see claw marks on aspen, pine and fruit trees.
-Black Bears are very intelligent and adaptable. They have a great sense of smell.
-Black Bears are not territorial. Boars can range 250 square miles, while sows can range 80 square miles and territories may overlap.
-Black Bears are generally shy and are great bluffers. They would prefer to avoid humans if at all possible. If confronted, they may make hoofing or growling noises. They may pop their jaws, salivate and hold their ears back They may charge. It is best to make sure the bear is aware of your presence. If you encounter a bear, back away and don't run. Try to look big and more dominant. If it continues to advance, throw something at it. Fight it off by punching it in the head. Do not get in a fetal position.
-Best of all, don't let bears get comfortable around you and your property. Don't underestimate their ability to find food and to remember where they have found food in the past. Don't leave food (bird feeders or pet), trash or barbecue grills outside. Once they have been "food conditioned", it is hard to break the habit. Bears only get one chance to be caught and relocated if they become a nuisance. After that, they will be destroyed.
Thank you again to Vic Barnes!
A recent visitor to the Hayward property, Wetmore
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