North America is home to three bear species: the grizzly bear, the polar bear and the American black bear. Of those three species, the American black bear is the smallest. It is still one of North America?s largest mammals, growing to lengths of 4 to 6 feet and weighing up to 600 pounds. Not all black bears are black. Some may be blonde, cinnamon or brown. In very rare cases, some black bears are even white! All black bears have brown snouts.
The black bear isn't always black, but its snout is always brown. (Photo Credit: Daniel Arndt)
The American black bear?s scientific name is Ursus americanus. ?Ursus? is the Latin word for bear, and ?americanus? references that the black bear was the first bear European settlers saw upon arriving in North America.
Bears are known for their ability to hibernate during winter. Every winter the black bear enters a state of deep sleep and can snooze through the entire season. However, during hibernation bears can wake up if disturbed or if temperatures begin to warm. While in deep sleep, the black bear does not eat, drink or eliminate waste. It overindulges during the summer and fall so it has plenty of nutrients stored in its body fat to survive the winter. In some parts of the black bear?s range where winters are mild (such as Texas), the black bear may not need to hibernate at all.
The black bear is an opportunistic feeder, meaning it eats just about anything it comes across. Most of its diet consists of fruits, vegetation, roots, berries and nuts. Though it is an omnivore, meat makes up a small portion of the black bear?s diet. When it does eat meat, insects, carrion and salmon are the black bear?s favorite.
The black bear is an omnivore, but meat makes up just a small portion of its diet. It primarily eats roots, berries, fruits, vegetation and nuts. (Photo Credit: Alicia White)
The American black bear?s conservation story is an encouraging one, but it had a rough start. As settlers moved west across North America, thousands of black bears were killed for meat and fur. Often black bears also lost their habitat as cities and farms began to grow.
Today, it appears that humans and black bears have (for the most part) learned how to coexist. The American black bear is the most common bear in all of North America and not globally threatened. It can be found in more than 30 of the U.S. states, nearly all of Canada and parts of northern Mexico. Black bears are so plentiful in some areas that regulated hunting is being used as a management tool to keep populations balanced and healthy.
Black bear populations are healthy and thriving throughout North America. (Photo Credit: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Southeast Region)
The American black bear is the only bear that lives in Texas. Black bears have occasionally been spotted in East Texas? Pineywoods, but biologists believe bears seen in the east do not actually live in Texas. Most likely, they reside in Louisiana and simply wander over the state border while foraging for food.
In Texas, you?re more likely to find a bear in the west. Sightings are reported every year in the Trans Pecos region. Additionally, according to Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD), 2012 has seen an increase in bear sightings across Texas? Hill Country and South Texas. Experts believe that the 12 bears that have been spotted in 2012 most likely came from Mexico to escape drought conditions.
The Louisiana black bear (a subspecies of the American black bear) is listed as threatened under the U.S. Endangered Species Act, and the American black bear is listed as threatened in Texas. Though there are still struggles in some areas, overall this species? future is a bright one!
What can you do to help?
- Don?t feed the bears! Bears can become dangerous when they learn to eat human food that they find in garbage cans and at campsites. If you live in bear territory, make sure your garbage cans are securely fastened at all times. When camping, thoroughly clean up after every meal.
- Keep an eye on your pets! If you live or frequently camp in bear territory, keep your pets secure in your house, yard or on a leash. Interactions between pets and wild animals can be dangerous for the animals involved and for the people near them.
- Do your part to keep the environment clean! The litter left lying around by humans can ensnare local wildlife. Black bears are curious creatures. Keeping your environment clean can help keep bears safe from injury or even death. You can help by clearing trash out of your yard or neighborhood. You can even volunteer with your family or friends to help keep roadways clean. This is helpful to all local wildlife!
- Report any bear sightings in Texas to TPWD by contacting Jonah Evans at (432) 837-2051 x228.
As the weather gets colder, it?s becoming more tempting to stay inside. Be sure to bundle up and make time to enjoy some fresh air outside! Bring Sam on the Go on all your outdoor adventures, no matter how big or small those adventures may be. Send pictures of our fun to Sam?s Inbox (safarisam@fortworthzoo.org) so I can share with other explorers!
Until next time ? happy exploring!
?
?
Ability: (noun) the aptitude or competence to be able to complete a certain task
Biologist: (noun) a scientist who studies living organisms
Coexist: (verb) to live together without disrupting one another
Conservation: (noun) the careful use of a natural resource so we can enjoy it now and have enough of it to enjoy in the future
Consist (of): (verb) composed or formed of
Eliminate:
Ensnare: (verb) to capture with the use of a snare or trap
Forage: (verb) to search or seek, usually for food
Hibernate: (verb) to become inactive or dormant, to pass the winter in a torpid or resting state
Mammal: (noun) a warm-blooded animal with a backbone that breathes air, nourishes its young with milk from mammary glands and at some point in its life has hair
Nutrients: (noun) substances that provide nourishment and improve an organism?s health
Omnivore: (noun) an animal that eats both animal and plant foods
Opportunistic feeder: (noun) an animal that feeds on whatever it can find at its convenience
Overindulge: (verb) to feast or eat in excess
Plentiful: (adjective) existing in a large amount, abundant
Rare: (adjective) uncommon, unusual, not happening very often
Reference: (verb) to go back to a source to gain more information or check information
Regulated hunting: (noun) a system by which hunters harvest animals under strict guidelines and laws for seasons and quotas
Reside: (verb) to live within a certain space
Secure: (verb) to make certain, ensure
Subspecies: (noun) a subdivision of a species
Threatened species: (noun) a species likely to become endangered if population trends continue
Vegetation: (noun) plant life
Wander: (verb) to stray or roam without a specific purpose or plan
Source: http://www.safarisamblog.com/black-bear/
censor pipa and sopa sopa pipa wikipedia blackout kyla pratt justified season 3 custer
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.