Are black bears harmful

Answer 1

Black Bears are actually quite timid and are probably just as scared by you as you are by them. You're more likely to be mauled by a dog, have a fatal reaction to a bee sting, or get struck by lightning than you are to be killed by a black bear. However, like all wild animals, they can be unpredictable and most attacks happen by bears that have had no human contact before.

------- Black bears do not prey on man. Instead, they feed mostly on fruits, small game and fish. However, a bear family requires a lot of room and, as their habitats shrink, and food becomes more scarce, Black Bears have come into closer and closer contact with man.

Worse, bears in the National Park areas and other areas where they frequently encounter man, find that scavenging what mankind leaves behind is a lot easier than hunting.

However, that said, there's a lot you can do to stay safe in Bear country. Here are a few ideas: * Make yourself known to the bear and keep your distance, walking away slowly if you feel nervous or in danger.

* Bear mothers may become aggressive when she feels her cubs are in danger

* Make a little noise when you walk. You really don't want to accidentally sneak up on a bear. * Yelling loudly, making yourself appear taller (backpack over your head), throwing rocks are good ways to send a bear running. * Pepper spray will help you feel more confident around bears.

* If there's a place you don't want a bear to visit -- like the inside of your car, your tent, etc. don't leave anything in there that has a strong scent. Bears associate strong, unnatural scents with food. So make sure that your tent has none of the following in it: No candy bars, shampoo, soap, tooth paste, deoderant, shaving cream, perfume, lipstick or other cosmetics, butter (really), mosquito repellent, etc. * If you think a car door will stop an adult bear, you are grossly mistaken. * When you go to a new area you're not familiar with, ask the locals and especially the Rangers about the "rules". Bears are potentially dangerous alright, but if you're careful, polite and alert, bears are wonderful things. And seeing a bear in the wilderness in its natural habitat (from a bit of a distance) is a wonderful thing you'll never ever forget.

Answer 2

Black bears are commonly found in literature, legends and myths to be dangerous animals however attacks by them are relatively rare. Black bears are generally smaller and much more timid than Grizzly's. Black bears however have acute vision and excellent hearing. Studies have shown that in the last 108 years there have only been 61 documented attacks by black bears. While black bears should never be approached by a human, we as humans are far more dangerous to black bears than they are to us. Black bears are ruled by fear and food---in that order. Researchers are frequently surprised at how these particular bears seem to retreat from even the smallest of animals like butterflies and even a moth.

Answer 3

Given the choice, a black bear would rather stay away from humans than be around them. However, bears that have been human-fed, either by hand or by learning that it can get all its food from human garbage are far more dangerous to humans than bears that are accustomed to living in the wild. This is mainly because they have no fear of humans and likely confuse humans as other bears and treat them as such.

Answer 4

Yes the black bear is endangered species located in less than 48 states and under the endangered species list as well

Answer 5

If they're provoked pretty dangerous. They can easily kill you. But if you just admire them from a far and do not disturb them they're cool.

Answer 6

Yes they can.

Answer 7

i say they are not harmless