Black bears have been reported to host more than 30 external and internal parasites, including coccidian protozoans, flukes, tapeworms, intestinal roundworms, lungworms, filarial worms, lice, fleas, ticks, and mites. Roundworms (Toxascaris sp.) were the most common endoparasite in New York, occurring in 31% of bears sampled. In the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, 90% of bears were infected with the larval form of Dirofilaria ursi, a roundworm related to the dog heartworm.

The degree and nature of bear vocalizations depends on the species. Black bears are presumed to be more vocal than brown bears because black bears are a forest species and cannot see long distances. Other forest-dwelling bears, such as spectacled and sloth bears, are also quite vocal. Black bears communicate using a variety of sounds, as well as gestures, stances, and signs or marks. See similar questions...

Wildlife diseases do not appear to play a major role in morbidity and mortality of black bear populations. However, routine surveillance is lacking. Bears in Idaho showed antibodies for tularemia (19%), Q-fever (6%), brucellosis (5%), leptospirosis (1%), and other pathogens but none showed serious clinical signs of the diseases. In the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, bears showed antibodies for Leptospira sp. (22%), but tested negative for brucellosis and canine distemper. See similar questions...

Attacks or threatened "bluff" attacks in campgrounds, along roadsides, or similar developed areas usually occur because people are too close to the bear, or because the bear wants the person's food items. Backing away while keeping an eye on the bear usually addresses the animal's concern about your proximity to it. If the bear is persistent in its attempts to get your food, it is best to comply. Report the bear's behavior to officials. See similar questions...

Habitat changes are positive if they accrue positive benefits to the bears' life needs, they are negative otherwise. In reality, this is an oversimplification. Changes in habitat often involve a suite of impacts which may vary with time of day, season, year, geography and topography, climatic changes, bear numbers and distribution, human populations and activity, and other factors. See similar questions...

There are three classes of parasites and within each class are many varieties of them. The known number of parasites today is around 130 different kinds. Microscopic organisms known as Protozoa are invisible to the eye. They are one-celled but reproduce rapidly, can take over the intestinal tract and from there go on to other organs and tissues. They have been described as "microscopic vampires". See similar questions...

Black bears are considered a "game" animal or "furbearer" and are hunted during regulated seasons in 27 states and 12 Canadian provinces. Season length, timing, bag limits, methods of take, reporting and tagging requirements, and other provisions vary. There are several books-of varying quality-describing bear hunting experiences and techniques. Massachusetts has a split season with 17 days in September and 18 days in November. Bait, hounds, and hunting during deer shotgun season are prohibited. See similar questions...

Black bears undoubtedly evolved as a forest animal and are anatomically and behaviorally adapted to forests. These adaptations convey survival advantage in response to threats of predation on the young. Tree-climbing ability is apparent in cubs when they first emerge from the den and they will quickly climb when a threat appears. The sow need only wait nearby and return after the threat passes, thus protecting both herself and her young without direct confrontation. See similar questions...

Black bears can run surprisingly fast. Unless the person is very close to a vehicle or sturdy structure, and the bear is far away, it can easily catch the person if it wants to. While most bears are tolerant, food-conditioned bears may be aggressive and chase people who intrude on the animal's personal space, or to get people to drop or throw food items. Consequently, it is unwise to run from a black bear. See similar questions...

This question is asked a lot. The answer varies some depending on the time of year. At his hibernation weight going into early winter (November - December) our best guess is around 500 pounds. His summer weight could be as much as 70 pounds less than that. See similar questions...

Hulga Clark states in her book that she has seen cases of eczema due to roundworms; seizures from a single roundworm getting into the brain; schizophrenia and depression from parasites in the brain; asthma from a parasite in the lungs; diabetes from a parasite that comes from cattle that settles in the pancreas; migraines from a threadworm; acne rosacea from a parasite and some human heart disease from the dog heartworm. She says the list goes on. See similar questions...

Bears are adaptable, curious, capable of rapid learning, have excellent long-term memories and exhibit a wide degree of behavioral "plasticity" (i.e., ability to adapt their behavior to changing circumstances). These behavioral characteristics are integral to understanding and managing many problem bear situations. Vocalizations, gestures, and mock charges are typical expressions of frustration, conflict, and stress. See similar questions...

Litter size ranges from 1 to 4 young, averaging from 1.4 in Arkansas to 3.0 in Pennsylvania. First litters may be small, sometimes a single cub. Two or 3 cubs are typical thereafter. Five-cub litters are uncommon; extraordinary litters of 6 cubs have been reported in Manitoba and Pennsylvania. Average litter sizes in 2 Massachusetts study areas were 2.0 and 3.0. Two 5-cub litters have been reported in Massachusetts, once in the den and another in the field. See similar questions...

Despite the remarkable recovery and restoration of the black bear throughout much of North America, we should not become complacent. Both in the long term and the short term, there are direct and indirect threats to black bears, their habitats, and to the environment as a whole. See similar questions...

In East Tennessee, the most reliable place to see a black bear is to visit the Knoxville Zoo. Their bear habitat, Black Bear Falls, is a first rate natural setting. If you are in North Carolina, you may also want to vist Mimi in her new home. Most people are surprised at how difficult it is to get a good photograph of a bear or wild animal. Good wildlife photographers know the secret to a good photograph is to be quiet and patient and let the bear come within your photographic range. See similar questions...

The size of the home range varies depending upon the abundance of food. In an area with lots of berry and nut producing plants a territory will be smaller than in an area with scarce food supplies. Yearling females often share the territory of their mothers, but young males may travel far to find their own territories. In Minnesota, a sow's home range is 2-6 square miles. The breeding territory of an adult male can cover over 100 square miles to overlap with many female home ranges. See similar questions...

Black Bear Adventures has been in business and operating bicycle tours for 6 years. We are a small family owned business and you will always deal directly with the owners of the company. See similar questions...

Black Bear Adventures is not liable for bodily injury or property damage as a result of (but not limited to): physical exertion for which a guest is not prepared; forces of nature; travel by plane, train, auto, boat or other conveyance, or by bicycle, foot or other form of active or adventure travel; consumption of alcoholic beverages; civil unrest; terrorism; breakdown of equipment; high altitude; lack of or limited access to medical attention in remote locations; and the adequacy of medical at. See similar questions...