Springtime is right around the corner, bringing out some of our best local neighbours. The Black Bear spend the majority of winter in a den, dug out of a hillside or under a rocky overhang.
While hibernating, Black bears slow their metabolism to around 25% of normal, slowing their heartbeat considerably.
Over the next month or so, in Alberta, we will start to see them emerging from their dens. The food search will be on. All rural residents need to be good neighbours to these bears and not leave attractants out that will draw them into conflict with people.
Black bears are omnivorous and will eat almost anything; careless garbage disposal, bird feeders, or compost bins will draw them in. Nobody wants a 150-kg visitor in their yard when they go out in the morning.
Black bears will primarily eat plants, berries and insects, such as ants. Some black bears may learn to hunt ungulates, particularly fawns and calves.
Inquisitive but cautious, black bears are more likely to flee compared to their larger cousin, the Grizzly, but they are wild animals that should be given your respect at all times.
