American
Black Bear OR Ursus Americanus
The Back
Bear ranges the forests of Canada from Newfoundland to British Columbia as well as much of the United States. Being a very
solitary animal for most of the year, they pair up only during the mating season. Cubs remain with their mother for about
a year, who protects, which prevents them from being killed by the adult males.
Black Bears very good swimmers, fast in a run, have a very good
sense of smell, their hearing is extremely good, but they are hindered by poor eyesight. Bears are active at all hours of
the day, but are highly active at night. When very young, the cubs cry when afraid and hum when contented and are very competitive
with each other with one of the siblings usually becoming dominant.
They have few enemies other than man, but the one creature they
fear the most is the Grizzly. Seldom do their territories overlap, but if encountered the Grizzly is given much caution and
distance.
The incredible
strength and power of the Black Bear is often forgotten by people, because of it’s cautious and secretive behavior and
the ability to travel very silently through the forest make most Black Bear sightings a surprise. The Black Bears ability
to walk on the soles of its feet causes it to be referred to spiritually by First Nations as "the beast that walks like a
man." During most of the year Black Bears are solitary, they pair up only during the spring/ summer mating season.
Choice Black Bear
habitat is a wooded area with shrub lands. Densities are greatest in mixed forests with various stages of growth, which provide
the best combination of food and other seasonal living requirements. Omnivorous, Black Bears will eat whatever is available,
but most of their food is vegetation, especially in late summer and autumn when berries and nuts are abundant. They often
climb trees to feed on young shoots, buds, and fruit. They also prey on young Moose and Deer in spring, and they also eat
small mammals, insects, and occasionally birds. Many bears living near settlements often scavenge landfills and dumpsites.
Predators of Bears include male Black Bears (who after the mating have very little tolerance of other Black Bears), Grizzlies,
and occasionally Wolves and Lynx.
Originally ranging
throughout most of Canada south of the tree line, the Black Bear now occupies about 85% of its former range, having been forced
or removed from the southern and populated regions of most provinces.
In autumn Black
Bears seek the shelter of a cave, rock crevice and outcrops, hollow log or tree, wind thrown stump, or merely a mossy hollow
under the low, sweeping branches of a Spruce or Fir for its winter den. Spruce
boughs, twigs, wood, and mossy earth for bedding are scraped into the den. During winter hibernation the females give birth
to one to four cubs, they remain in the den with their mother until spring.
If you would like to learn more about the American Black Bear or would maybe like to view this species in a safe natural
environment Richard & Vivianne Goguen, offer the Little Big Bear Safari. View and photograph the American Black Bear from
an elevated observation tower with sheltered deck. Quiet and dark clothing is recommended and depending on the season warmer
than usual clothing is preferred as the observation deck is unheated and visitors are expected to be fairly still during the
Safari.
Located in Acadieville, New Brunswick, Canada,
the Goguen’s offer overnight accommodations at the Chalet Chez Vivianne
adjacent to their home. Reservations are recommended. For further information visit their website at http://www.mightykent.com or contact them at bearsafari@bigfoot.com or phone at 1 506 775 2354
http://www.bearsafari.com/en/index.php
DP
Stewart October 16, 2004 County Criers Office Miramich New Brunswick Canada
