Words For Wildlife
by State licensed Wildlife Rehabilitator, James Orr
ARKANSAS BLACK BEAR
Arkansas was once known as “The Bear State” but over hunting and habitat loss reduced the population to as few as 40 bears by 1920. Hunting bears was banned and starting in 1949 over 250 black bears were brought in from Canada to repopulate the state. Today it is estimated there are 3500 bears in Arkansas.
I have not had to rehabilitate a black bear but have had a few encounters with them passing through the refuge. In each occasion they nonchalantly wander off as soon as they noticed me.
Despite the fact most people perceive black bears as ferocious carnivores in reality 75% of what they eat is fruit, nuts and berries and the bulk of their protein is from insects, ants in particular.
Black bears are not always black but can also be a brown cinnamon color. In the Eastern states they are predominately black, in the Western states brown is more fashionable, in Arkansas we have both.
Bears make up for their very poor eyesight with an extraordinary sense of smell. There is an old indian saying, “A pine needle fell in the forest, the eagle saw it, the deer heard it and the bear smelled it”. Native American stories also depict bears as healers. “Sticky mouth” was a nickname given the bear by indians for its love of honey.
I heard a story about a deer hunter trying to mask his human scent by rubbing vanilla on his boots. He fell asleep in a tree watching for deer but awoke to a black bear clawing at his sweet smelling boots. He came home unharmed but bare foot, or should I say “bear” foot. Incidentally, State law prohibits placing bait to attract bears at any time for any reason whether at your house, campground, or elsewhere.
Black bears are the smallest North American bear with Grizzly and Polar bears first and second. Of the black bears Arkansas bears are among the largest Females (Sows) may reach 300 pounds but males (Boars) have been recorded weighing over 700 pounds. In spite of their huge size they are excellent climbers often feasting on grape vines in the trees.
Bears breed during the summer and give birth in a winter den. The cubs will stay with the mother for almost two years before being chased away to fend for themselves.
The Arkansas Black bear does not technically hibernate but they do “den” for the winter months which is similar. They sleep for months and their heart rate and respiration both decrease significantly but their body temperature does not drop drastically as it does with true hibernators. This allows the Arkansas bear to wake quickly from their winter snooze and even take short day trips from their den on warm winter days. Remember this if you find a sleeping bear on a winter hike, Let sleeping bears lay.
Medical science is interested in bears ability to hold urine for weeks, even months without ill effects. They’d be great on a road trip. Medical science studies this aspect of bear physiology in the hope better treatments for kidney disease might be learned.
Bears are very intelligent. They have an excellent sense of hearing in addition to their super sense of smell. They are very timid and use these senses to retreat from human encounters before we even know they are... were there. Attacks on humans are very rare and when they have occurred the people either surprised or posed a threat to the bear. They can become dangerous if people feed them as they loose their fear of people and reclusive lifestyle.
If you encounter a bear here are a few tips. DO NOT RUN! Running can trigger a chase response that would not otherwise occur. Avoid direct eye to eye contact, this can be perceived as a challenge. Look down or to the side of the bear, talk softly and back way. Talking immediately lets the animal know you are not sneaking up on it and soft tones are not threatening.
If a bear does charge most of the time it is scare tactic (quite effective) and it will stop short. Again do not run, walk away but do not turn your back. If it follows you or persists in charges changing tactics is in order. Yell at it, make noise, wave your arms and throw rocks at it. Aim for the nose, a strike in this very sensitive area will likely change its attitude.
In a worse case scenario if a bear does attack (extremely unlikely with black bears) cover your throat with your arms and play dead. It should leave as soon as it is sure you are not a threat.
You are mot likely to see bears in the early Spring when food is scarce. The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission will relocate nuisance bears most commonly found raiding trash cans and bee hives.
If you want to learn more about the gentle and affectionate side of bears there is a fascinating book, SUMMERS WITH THE BEARS, by Jack Becklund that recounts a couples intimate experience with numerous wild black bear families that shared their summer home in Minnesota for many years. If it were not for the incredible photos it would be hard to believe. It is a great read and dispels many myths.
Name the Bobcat Contest
Help us find names for the six month old male and female bobcat we care for. Winners will get an opportunity to meet the cats and receive photos and plaster footprint casts. Mail suggestions to address below before January 1.
DONATIONS NEEDED If you would like to help any donation amount it is greatly appreciated. Donations should be made out to Witter Wildlife Refuge and can be sent to P.O. Box 1118, Huntsville AR 72740.
See web page under "HOW YOU CAN HELP" for specific ways you can help us help wildlife
