As the weather continues to change and day temperatures become increasing warmer, we can expect to start seeing more and more wildlife activity. With this in mind, as marching time draws on, I find myself waiting to get the first calls about one of the most notable wildlife species with which we share our beautiful North Georgia mountains.
Considered the largest native, terrestrial mammal inhabiting Georgia, the American black bear (Ursus americanus) is not only a marvel to observe, but it also plays a critical role in North Georgia’s forests as a keystone species, meaning its presence helps define the entire ecosystem. Without keystone species, ecosystems would be either dramatically different or cease to exist.
According to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR), black bear populations have recovered to a present statewide population of over 5,000 bears. The largest portion of that population resides here in North Georgia, though there are two other populations in Georgia located along the Ocmulgee River drainage system in the central part of the state, as well as the Okefenokee Swamp in the southeast.
Generally, a black bear may live around 8 to 15 years old. Though, according to the Georgia DNR, wild black bears that stick to a natural diet tend to live about 23% longer than “garbage” bears, which are those that are known to have a sustained diet on unnatural foods. Regarding size, adult bears may reach up to six feet in length and about three feet high at the shoulder. Females may reach a mature weight of about 300 pounds, while males can weigh over 500 pounds. Despite their large stature, black bear are phenomenal climbers, swimmers and runners, and can reach a running speed of up to 30 miles per hour!
Each year, I field several calls from folks curious about the life cycle of black bears. Females tend to enter sexual maturity around two to five years of age, whereas males may breed as early as 1.5 years old. Generally, breeding occurs midsummer and cubs are born in the den in late January or February. As with many mammals, cubs remain under the care of their mother throughout their first year and will den with her during the following winter. The next spring, the sow (female) will drive away her yearlings so she will be able to rear a new litter.
With the warming weather, sows are beginning to emerge from their dens with their cubs. They are hungry and actively looking for food. As one may imagine, these mothers are not only able but also willing to protect their cubs from any potential dangers. Unfortunately, due to habitat loss and a combination of curiosity, and unfamiliarity of how to behave around these animals on our part, this is the time of year when we get a lot of human-bear conflicts.
To my knowledge, there are no recorded black bear attacks on humans in Georgia, and therefore no fatalities. But, that is just one side of the equation. The public needs to understand that when we engage wild black bears, feed them (whether that be intentional or not), or encourage socialization in any way, we are in many ways setting these animals up to become “nuisance” wildlife.
Socialization of black bears, or really any wild animal, is neither good for them or you, as it can lead to sad ending for the animal. The reason for this is that black bears are large, intelligent mammals, and those that associate humans with food may end up in dangerous conflicts with humans. Many black bears have been euthanized due to that dynamic and it’s a loss that is completely avoidable.
Here is some advice from UGA Extension on things we can all do to minimize human-bear conflicts as we enter into bear season:
- Stash Your Trash: Accessible garbage receptacles are like catnip to a hungry black bear, and a sow and her cubs will quickly learn that your trash bin is a smorgasbord of delights. Take the time to bear-proof your garbage – it could add years to the lives of some of Georgia’s wild black bears.
- Clean Your Grill: Black bears have an incredible sense of smell and would love to join you at the barbeque pit for a bite to eat. If you have a grill that must remain outdoors during bear season, it is imperative that you thoroughly clean it after each time you use it. That will greatly reduce the probability of a hungry bear giving you a visit!
- Secure birdseed and pet food: Garbage and grill remnants are just a couple of the non-natural food items that attract bears. Birdseed and pet food are an easy source of protein and calories and are huge bear attractants. Homeowners in bear country should bring pet food indoors and remove birdfeeders during peak activity times in bear season.
Black bears are a true symbol of the wild Georgia that we call home, and we need to do our part to safeguard both ourselves and these animals from unnecessary harm. The best way to get the best of both worlds – observing nature’s beauty and protecting it – is to keep wild bears wild.
