This estimate includes 9,699 black bears in the U.P. Later someone told me were should have notified the Fish and Wildlife, but we didn’t know that was required. Feeding the bears is incredibly dangerous. Commonly born in pairs, the cubs will remain with the mother for about eighteen months or until she mates again. Anyone who is experiencing problems with bears should contact the nearest DNR office and speak with a wildlife biologist or technician for further assistance. Accompanying photos are available below for download and media use. Increase the distance between you and the bear. Black Bear Do's and Don'ts. Keep pet food inside or in a secured area. Help support the North American Bear Center. With cubs out of danger, female black bears don’t have to make vigorous defences that risk potential injury. “Black bears are magnificent animals, and when people see one in the wild it’s something they’ll never forget. People have little to fear in terms of catching diseases or parasites from bears. Gatlinburg, TN Burying compost won’t work because bears will easily find and dig it up. "They don't go away mad," Rogers said. According to the North American Bear Center in Ely, Minnesota, black bears have killed 61 people across North America since 1900. Black bears are not territorial toward people like some dogs are. Insects and animal carrion provide valuable sources of protein for bears. Use binoculars, telephoto lens, or a spotting scope to view the animals. Warning: Bears are wild animals that are dangerous and unpredictable. Several cultures believe that bear gall bladders, paws, and claws have medicinal powers or consider them gourmet delicacies. It’s been all over the news recntly about a group of seven young teenagers on a month-long survival-skills course in the Talkeetna Mountains of Alaska, being attacked by a grizzly bear sow with a cub. Bear attacks are rare; most bears are only interested in protecting food, cubs, or their space. When I see any bluster, I feel safe. My chances of being killed by a domestic dog, bees, or lightning are vastly greater. Learn what to do if you see a bear by watching this short video. Telesco said some garbage service companies on the Gulf Coast are even making available bear-resistant garbage cans and dumpsters. Numerous factors affect bear complaints, including available food sources and public attitudes toward bears over time as population numbers increase. I now interpret aggressive displays by black bears in terms of their fear rather than mine. Bear hunting is a long-standing tradition in the state, enjoyed by those who hunt over bait or pursue bears with dogs. 2. In fact, they are often attracted to people's food sources or get used to the presence of humans. He suggested arming yourself with some type of weapon, such as a gun or big stick, "especially if the dog is running back to you for protection." Learn what to do if you see a bear by watching this short video. Black bears in the Smokies are black in color, but in other parts of the country they may be brown or cinnamon. But most of the time this outcome wouldn’t have been necessary if people hadn’t made food so easy to find in the yard or trash dumpster. Contrary to popular belief, black bears are more dangerous than brown bears. "They're kind of timid animals.". Black bear claws are strong for climbing trees, but not sharp for holding prey. After the bear leaves, remove whatever attracted him to the location (barbecue grill, bird feeder, pet food or garbage). Myth: Black bears that wander into campsites, towns or cottage communities are dangerous. “Black bears eat plants and animals and seek out a number of different food sources, such as sedge, juneberry, blueberry, acorns, beechnuts, and animal protein that includes insects and occasional deer fawns,” Swanson said. Communities experiencing bear problems can take steps such as fining people who knowingly or unknowingly feed bears, requiring bear-resistant trash cans, distributing educational flyers and training police and animal control officers in aversive conditioning techniques that use rubber bullets, fireworks and pepper spray. woman was killed in Canada by a black bear, (MORE: Bear kills Minnesota woman while she's searching woods for her dogs), (MORE: Wildlife officials euthanize black bear cub after it became too friendly with humans), (MORE: California man bitten after kicking mama bear that attacked his dog, police say), (MORE: Bear attacks woman in her front yard, drags her 88 yards, officials say). If your presence causes the bear to change its behavior (stops feeding, changes its travel direction, watches you, etc.) Carl T. Johnson Hunting and Fishing Center, Assistance for Private Forest Land Owners, County and Municipal Law Enforcement Information, Fisheries Division Citizens Advisory Committees, Michigan History Center Commissions & Committees, Pigeon River Country Equestrian Committee, Timber and Forest Products Advisory Council, Upper Peninsula Citizens' Advisory Councils. Black bears are important in maintaining the ecological systems in their forests: They disperse seeds across vast distances—even more seeds than birds. This 4-year-old girl made this bear run away by spraying it in the eyes. Bears inhabit all elevations of the park. ", An article on the website for Orvis, a retail company that specializes in fishing, hunting and sporting goods, suggests that dog owners "quietly and quickly leave the area" if the bear has not spotted you, but if it has, to "keep your dog close and calm, avoiding sudden movements.".