Black bear tracks are very distinctive--the hind footprint resembles
that of a human. All bears have 5 toes, with the front foot short and
about 4-5 inches wide. The hind foot is long and narrow, measuring
about 7 inches. Claw marks may or may not be visible. The claws are
non-retractile, meaning they can be seen at all times. The black bears’
tightly curved claws are ideal for tree climbing and digging for
insects, tubers, and making dens. They are also strong swimmers. Like a
human, a bear’s feet are made for a browsing lifestyle, rather than one
of pursuit. However, while bears may appear awkward and clumsy, they
are actually very agile. They can run twice as fast as man (up to 25
M.P.H.) and have been known to outrun a racehorse for a short distance.
Bears use trails just as people do, since it's easier to travel on a
trail than through underbrush. Be aware of tracks, droppings and other
bear signs. Claw marks on trees, rotten logs ripped apart and hair on
tree bark from rubbing will allow you to determine better the presence
of bears. It's easy to recognize a black bear’s sizable droppings of
plant leaves, partly digested berries, apples, assorted seeds or animal
hair.
Adult bears make a variety of sounds. The most common is woofing
and jaw-popping. Young bears whimper or bawl. Black bears use the same
vocalization and body language toward people that they do toward each
other. Knowing these sounds can help people react to any bear they may
encounter.
The sound most heard by people is a loud blowing, which
means a black bear is nervous or afraid. Campers or hikers hear this
when a bear retreats or bluffs. Three types of bluffs are common, and
all include sudden, explosive blowing. The most common is blowing with
clacking teeth---the defensive display of a scared bear. Another bluff
is blowing with a short lunge and slapping the ground or an object---an
uneasy black bear’s way of saying, “move back”. A more emphatic version
is blowing and bluff-charging. Any of these blustery displays can occur
when a black bear feels crowded but is reluctant to leave food or cubs.
However, displays usually end with bears turning and retreating,
perhaps to repeat the performance. Research has shown that these
displays are not normally preludes to attack and aggressive behavior by
people [yelling, waving arms, making short rushes, throwing things to
scare the bear] is almost certain to put a bluffing bear in retreat.
A
less common sound is the resonant voice of a bear. This is used to
express intense emotions (fear, pain, and pleasure) including strong
threats. Black bears with ready escape routes seldom use this threat
toward people.
Of all the senses, it is the sense of smell that is the sharpest and
that the bear relies upon the most. In fact, with proper conditions, a
bear can smell a human approaching from up to one mile away. While a
bear’s sense of sound and sight are not its strongest, these senses
still exceed mans capabilities. When a human sees a bear and the bear
stands on its two hind feet, it is most probably not trying to see
better, but to smell what is going on around it.
Black bears are considered the most intelligent North American mammal
after man. They are more curious than a chimpanzee and have very good
memories. A bear that has learned that ice chests contain food may
curiously approach a car, peek through the window, see an ice chest and
break into the car. One account tells of a female black bear learning
to use rocks to trigger traps. She would wait in a nearby tree for the
traps to be set, coming down when humans had left to trigger the traps
and eat the bait. Look at your beloved dog that you find so intelligent
and be aware that he would lose paws down in an I.Q. test with a bear. |
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