- Two species of bears live in U.S.A and Canada: the black
bear (Ursus americanus) and the grizzly bear (Ursus
arctos). To learn how to identify the bears and where they live in
U.S.A and Canada, go to Know Your
Bears!
- Although many people enjoy seeing bears, they can be dangerous!
Bear attacks are rare in U.S.A and Canada, but they do occur. Many attacks
can be prevented by exercising caution and common sense.
- Never feed bears or any other wildlife! The likelihood of
injury is great. As well, you are conditioning the animal to lose its
natural fear of people and to develop a taste for human food—increasing
its danger to the public.
- Bears eat whenever they can. They are opportunistic feeders, eating
whatever is readily available. They search for their food by exploring and
rummaging all possible food sources: plants, animal prey they have killed,
remains from previous kills, garbage carelessly discarded, and human food.
- Whether in a campground or in the back country, never approach a
bear. Bears will defend their "personal space"—a buffer zone
surrounding them — if they are surprised or feel threatened.
|