Bear Safety in the North Carolina Mountains.Onslow black bears common, biggest in the country, sightings increase

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Wild black bears have moved naturally into suitable habitat areas without the need for capture and release. Even now, it would be difficult, if not impossible, to relocate a wandering bear, much less a problematic one within the State. When the early settlers arrived, there were black bears all across North Carolina.

But, as time passed, more and more bears were killed for non-food or fur purposes. The heavily wooded regions required for bear habitat were reduced for human shelter and introduction of crops and livestock. Bears were viewed as a danger to this new way of life. The most recent bear census for its occupied ranges was around 11, animals. Being naturally shy and wary creatures, bears are not inclined to den near urban areas where their normal habitat has been disturbed. They will visit such locations if accustomed to, and are drawn by, the smell of human food.

While the prospect of encountering a bear on the NIEHS campus is still extremely low, there is always a possibility of seeing, or being seen by, one. The last report of a bear on campus was a foot print found and identified in Although generally considered non-aggressive toward humans, caution is always warranted.

Unprovoked attacks on humans in North Carolina are extremely rare. If a bear approaches, make some noise. Clap your hands, wave your arms, stand tall, yell, even throwing things is appropriate.

Get a big stick, and some rocks as possible defensive weapons. Try to back away slowly to provide extra distance. Punch, kick, do everything you can to get that animal off you. Stand your ground. Skip Navigation. Females range two to six miles. There are records of bears traveling up to miles. If not killed, black bears can live up to 33 years.

According to "Bear Facts," published by the North American Bear Center, very few black bears outside of those in national parks die of natural causes. Most are shot or hit by motor vehicles. The average age of bears killed by hunters is 3 to 5 years old. Young bears sometimes die of starvation and accidental causes; seldom do bears die of disease.

Black bears are rather quiet animals, but do have a range of sounds. They grunt as they look for food. They make a low blowing sound and clack their teeth when afraid. It is reported they make almost human-like sounds that indicate pleasure or sometimes fear. Cubs on the other hand can put out quite a racket, bawling like a baby when they are upset. Bears are not particularly aggressive as long as people exercise good common sense, as they should with any wild animal.

While bears are not prone to attack unless provoked, who can say what might provoke a bear? Observe from a distance and do not harass a bear by following or crowding it. Friends of Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge in cooperation with the Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge conducts periodic wildlife and bear tours, which last about three hours.

Visitors ride in an air-conditioned passenger van through the refuge and are encouraged to bring their cameras along. Pre-registration for reservations is required.

Contact: Doris Morris doris. Bear hunting seasons October—December vary by county. The N. Wildlife Resources Commission has the seasons, limits and other regulations on their website: www. Bear watching advice from U. Fish and Wildlife Service: www. Share Tweet Share Pin Email.

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