Learn more about the WV DNR Black Bear Research and Tracking Project here. Scents like toothpaste and deodorant and use of perfume or cologne is sometimes an attractant to bears. Never run away from or approach him. Sleep away from food areas. A modified diet can include farm crops, gardens, small livestock, beehives, bird feeder seeds, pet food and garbage. Dont allow the bear to feel comfortable in your yard. Visit the Virginia Department of Game & Inland Fisheries to learn about living with Black Bears In Virginia. Jones College for the 2018 season before his 2019 return to the . In a recent study of the black bears habitat use and its vulnerability to hunting Myth: Shooting or relocating a bear that has been attracted to your property because of a food source will solve the problem. Recently Updated SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. Spring is here and that means West Virginias black bears are coming out of their winter hibernation and looking for food. In Virginia, most bears in mountainous areas den in large, hollow trees. All Rights Reserved. Black bears are thriving in Shenandoah National Park and in Virginia as a whole. This means that they eat both plants and animals. You can help your community and the bear population by keeping your property clear of food attractants and communicating with your neighbors to resolve community bear concerns. Bears are agile and quick, and they are excellent climbers. However, in years CONTACT INFORMATION: Our office is open 9AM-5PM M-F. 703-246-6868. The key to avoiding human-bear conflicts is to remove or secure food attractants such as unsecured trash cans and pet food bowls before a bear finds them. A Catch-22 for Massachusetts gun sellers? The specific response to bear issues is determined by public concerns and safety, type and extent of damage, black bear biology, animal welfare, and available management methods. They also frequent garbage dumps or may raid the trash bins of businesses or private homes. Contact the WVU Extension Service Office of Communications at 304-293-4222. West Virginia Black Bear Seasons to Change in 2021: A proposed change to West Virginia's black bear seasons may be in your future. Habitat: Incredibly adaptable, black bears occupy a greater range of habitats than any bear in the world. Where do black bears hibernate in Virginia? Adult black bears typically weigh 100-300 pounds, but males can exceed 500 pounds. Females will have their cubs around February and nurse them in the den. Five-day old black bear cub. Virginia Administrative Code states: It shall be unlawful for any person as defined in 1-230 (Code of Virginia) to place, distribute, or allow the placement of food, minerals, carrion, trash, or similar substances to feed or attract bear. Do not run or make any sudden movements. The black bear is a symbol of Louisiana, New Mexico, and West Virginia. When natural foods are scarce, bears have to travel long distances and go out more often to find. They damage trees by clawing bark and breaking branches, and will feed from fruit trees. Bears may feed up to 20 hours per day, accumulating fat (energy) prior to winter denning. Black bears can be found all along the Appalachian Mountains, in the Piedmont area, as well as sporadically along the coast. Females (sows) range in weight between 100 and 175 pounds. Relocation exposes the bear to Never close a bear into a room. bearwise.org. This data is also being shared cooperatively with neighboring states where mange is present so that we can work collaboratively to determine long-term solutions and potential impacts on bear populations. They are able to leave the den with the adult female in the spring and they disperse during their second spring. Bears are omnivorous and their diets vary seasonally. Species Profile for American Black Bear (Ursus americanus). Since the 1960s, much of Shenandoah's hardwood forest has reached mast producing age. 2023 Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources. Read More . On Wednesday morning, West Virginia Gov. If it is up a tree, leave it alone. National Geographic Society If you do meet a bear here are some suggestions: If you hear a bear or other animal outside your tent make sure it is aware that there is a human inside by using a firm monotone voice to scare it away. The clinical signs of mange are a result of damage to the hosts skin by the burrowing mite, the immune reaction of the hosts body to the mite, and the physical tears in the skin that occurs through scratching. Because bears are becoming more active during this time of year, chances of an outdoor encounter increase. The act of hibernating is instinctual. DWR is actively working to understand the disease and the mite that is causing this disease in Virginias bear population. Better management and changing ecological conditions have resulted in increases in black bear numbers throughout their geographic range. When visitors become careless and do not properly store their food, bears are undoubtedly going to find it; their sense of smell is amazing. When we visit a park with bears, we are entering their home. If you see a mother bear and cubs give them some space, retreat slowly, and do not scream or yell. Most Northern bears retire fully into their dens and begin hibernating around the frosty periods of late October to early November. October: Most bears enter their dens and begin a light hibernation. Hunters should take precautions if handling and/or disposing of the pelt and carcass. Female black bears usually breed every other year and cubs are born from early January to mid-February. Move outside garbage or compost containers into a bear resistant shed, garage, or other secured location or prevent access with electric fencing. Male black bears (boars) are between five and six feet long and two to three feet tall and they typically weigh between 100 and 300 pounds. They will emerge in April or May, usually after the adult males have been out of their own dens for a while. North American Bear Center Human-bear conflicts fluctuate yearly, and throughout the year, based on natural ECOS Environmental Conservation Online System, US Fish and Wildlife Service The state Division of Natural Resources conducted a poll to elect a state animal as a symbol for West Virginia in 1954-55. If they can gather enough food, some bears may choose not to hibernate. Remove all graphics and images from the website so that only the text and links are visible. It is up to humans to change their own behaviors to avoid conflicts. Unlike Stay calm. The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) is seeking public review and comment on draft black bear population objectives through February 1, 2023. The muzzle is brown and there is an occasional white chest blaze. In reality, most problems caused by bears are really people problems. Through the protection offered by the Park, the bear population gradually increased through the 1950s to an estimated 75 individuals park wide. There are potential negative consequences of treating bears, including human exposure to the drug if a treated bear is consumed by humans before the drug has been metabolized. food abundance. conflicts in the month of July coincides with the ripening of raspberries, blackberries Keep your tent and sleeping bag free of all food smells. Quietly back away and leave the area. The West Sows become sexually mature at age 3 or 4. 12000 Government Center Pkwy For additional information about black bears, visit In predicting black bear population dynamics, one factor that wildlife biologists He is the 11, A person must be at least 18 years of age to hunt with (possess), High-powered rifles are must-haves when going out hunting. According to data from recreational sightings, hunter harvest, road kills, and Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) field staff, bears occur in at least 92 of Virginia's 98 counties and cities. Katherine.edwards@fairfaxcounty.gov. should be disinfected (e.g., 40% bleach solution or other disinfectant cleaner for equipment and clothing) if suspected of being in contact with a mange-infested bear or with a dog that has come into contact with a mange-infested bear. Cubs born last winter will share their mother's den. I have collected a lot of useful and interesting information for you in my blog. Park staff have periodically been involved in bear population monitoring efforts. There are approximately 900,000 black bears in North America. Black bears are omnivorous. Results to date indicate that the most common cause of mange in Virginia bears is Sarcoptes scabiei, which is a mite that burrows into the skin and can only be seen with the assistance of a microscope. If you care about the health and safety of West Virginias black bears, be proactive Human-bear conflicts logged at West Virginia DNR district offices 2008 var pfHeaderImgUrl = 'https://extension.wvu.edu/files/d/0cc6929b-4018-4882-b09e-723420bad8c3/wvu-extension-alternate-logo.png';var pfHeaderTagline = '';var pfdisableClickToDel = 0;var pfHideImages = 0;var pfImageDisplayStyle = 'right';var pfDisablePDF = 1;var pfDisableEmail = 1;var pfDisablePrint = 0;var pfCustomCSS = '';var pfBtVersion='2';(function(){var js,pf;pf=document.createElement('script');pf.type='text/javascript';pf.src='//cdn.printfriendly.com/printfriendly.js';document.getElementsByTagName('head')[0].appendChild(pf)})(); By the early 1970s, the black bear, West Virginias state animal, could only regularly The black bear population in West Virginia has grown from 500 or less in the 1960s and 70s to a conservative estimate of 12,000-14,000 today, Carpenter said. Depending on weather and food conditions, black bears enter their winter dens between October and January. Bears typically den (hibernate) in fall (late October-early December) and emerge in spring (March-April). Females carry the cub(s) for 6 weeks. Males are larger than females. Photos or videos of the suspect animal are extremely helpful. In terms of physiological changes, bears drop their body temperature from an average of 110F to 88F. Some bears may not den at all if they continue to find sufficient food. Clinical signs include: The extent of these clinical signs is variable, ranging from hairless areas on the ears and face or small patches along the body in mild to moderate cases, to hair loss and lesions covering almost the entire body in severe cases. Decades ago the eastern cougar called West Virginia home. All materials are posted on the site strictly for informational and educational purposes! and blueberries. Of the three bear species (black, brown, and polar bears) in North America, only the black bear lives in Virginia. An adult male can gain over 100 pounds in a few weeks when acorn production is heavy. Wildlife biologists at that time This may reassure the bear that you mean it no harm. Only Northeast state nuisance wildlife control operators are permitted to sign up on WildlifeHelp.org at this time. Additional research is being considered that could provide information on survival, movements, transmission routes, and potential susceptibility of certain populations in Virginia. to eliminate. They lower body temperature to near freezing but wake up every few days to raise body temperature to near normal, eat stored food, and eliminate body wastes. Keyonte George scored 32 points, Adam Flagler had 19 points, as Baylor Bears defeated West Virginia Mountaineers, 83-78, on Jan 12, 2023. Bears are highly adaptable, intelligent animals and may learn to associate human dwellings with food. The heaviest known female weighed 520 pounds from northeastern Minnesota. Bears are omnivorous and their diets vary seasonally. A female will keep her newborn cubs with her until she is ready to mate again, every other year. 1900 Kanawha Boulevard East This corresponds to the brief, chilly and transitional season of mid-autumn or fall which surfaces immediately after the summer in the Northern Hemisphere. Give the bear a clear escape route. Foraging activities by bears probably help with decomposition in forested environments where they tear apart logs and snags to gain access to insects or where they may excavate plants from the ground. It is illegal to deliberately or inadvertently feed bears. additional sources of mortality when it is placed in unfamiliar territory and may tracts of undeveloped land to prosper. DWR takes the problem of mange and its potential implications on black bears seriously. Bears that roam around residential areas in search of food are less likely to stay if they do not find anything to eat. Photo by Mike Vaughan, VT. Contact your health care provider for more information related to a potential human exposure to mange. Hibernation can last days, weeks, or months depending upon the species. DWR will not trap or relocate a bear that is eating from your trash or birdfeeder. Bears are agile and quick, and they are excellent climbers. They don't generally in Virginia due to the fact that we don't have extremely cold winters warranting the need to hibernate. Visit DWRs Wildlife Disease page for more information or download the Black Bear Mange brochure. The WVU Board of Governors is the governing body of WVU. These conflicts arise as the bears are attracted to human-provided We need to stand rock solid by who we are and by the Second Amendment and all the greatness that we are in this great state and the send the message to the world, by God if you wanna mess with us, we can mess back, Gov. If on a trail, step off the trail and slowly leave the area. in the past, when nuisance bears could be moved to locations where bear populations If problems are ignored, property damage can get worse, and bears may lose their distrust of humans and come to rely solely on unnatural foods. Figure 2. On Wednesday morning, West . November 22, 2020. Human-bear conflicts typically recede in the fall as hard mast, Give the bear plenty of room to escape. A mating pair may stay together for one to several days, then part ways. DNR recommends taking the following actions if you encounter a bear: Be aware that bears are leaving their dens in March and will readily take advantage of human food sources, Carpenter said. Nevertheless, threats to this iconic animal do exist. If a hunter harvests a bear with signs of mange during an open bear season (regardless of condition/degree of infestation), they must utilize their bear tag and report the bear at the time of harvest because this information remains a vital element of DWRs bear management program. In addition, mites that fall off an infested host can persist in the environment and may infect a new animal that enters a site contaminated with mange mites. Species: Ursus americanus. More information on black bears in Virginia and ways to reduce conflicts can be found at https://dwr.virginia.gov/wildlife/bear/ and https://bearwise.org/. Reasonable accommodations will be made to provide this content in alternate formats upon request. DWR evaluates each report on a case-by-case basis to determine a response. 3655 U.S. Highway 211 East Copyright 2023 BearingArms.com/Salem Media. Adult black bears are approximately 4 to 7 feet from nose to tail, and two to three feet high at the withers. In the United States there are estimated to be over 300,000 black bears and approximately 8,000 individuals bears in West Virginia.If you are lucky enough to see a bear in West Virginia, remember that West Virginia bears are wild. They are typically nocturnal and generally avoid people . During this period, they do not move and they remain in one place. If you come into close contact, back away slowly and remember that bears have a natural distrust of humans and will run when given a safe escape route. Bear, Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, Sort By: VA Store food and coolers suspended from a tree at least 10 feet off the ground and four feet out from the tree trunk. If the bear enters the tent fight back and yell. At times, a DWR employee may visit your property to discuss additional options. Female black bears usually breed every other year and cubs are born from early January to mid-February. There is no such thing as a wild black panther living in West Virginia. Black bears capture human admiration and interest like few other wildlife species. Unprovoked bear attacks are very rare, and have never been documented in Virginia. increase the spread of parasites and diseases. The black bear population in West Virginia is now considered statewide, and bears have been harvested in 46 of the 55 counties in recent years. Indications are that the Black Bear population in Alabama is slowly increasing. Call the Wildlife Conflict Helpline at 1-855-571-9003. Bear movements are tied to food sources. Black bears have small eyes, rounded ears, a long snout, large non retractable claws, a large body, a short tail, and shaggy hair. Research into the life cycle of the black bear helped wildlife biologists learn DWR asks anyone who sees a bear showing signs of mange as described below to take photos, note your exact location (take GPS coordinates, if possible), and submit this information to the VA Wildlife Conflict Helpline at vawildlifeconflict@usda.gov or (1-855-571-9003). if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'statesymbolsusa_org-medrectangle-4','ezslot_6',142,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-statesymbolsusa_org-medrectangle-4-0');The black bear is omnivorous and will eat just about anything. Contaminated clothing should be washed and machine-dried with heat or placed in a freezer overnight to kill any mites. Remain at a safe distance and throw rocks to make the bear feel unwelcome. These research Habituated bears can pose public safety concerns and in some unfortunate circumstances may have to be killed. If you experience a bear problem after taking appropriate steps of prevention, you may seek additional assistance by contacting DWR. However, over the course of nearly 50 years, many positive Reverts to original layout including graphics and images, Dr. Katherine Edwards,Wildlife Management Specialist. Black bears (Ursus americanus) are 5 to 6 feet long (nose to rump), typically stand 2.5 to 3 feet at the shoulder, and weigh 100 to 400 lbs. The mosaic of agricultural lands, woodlots and stream corridors surrounding Shenandoah created nearly ideal conditions for the bear population to expand and disperse. Disclaimer. feeders on a year-round basis. Turn on a flashlight or lantern. Body color ranges from dark brown to black with a light brown or tan muzzle. For more on bear safety best practices, watch the WV Division of Natural Resources Bear Safety video here. 22835, 540 999-3500 The state Division of Natural Resources conducted a poll to elect a state animal as a symbol for West Virginia in 1954-55. Bears, National Park Service DON'T approach a bear. They are typically nocturnal and generally avoid people, but also readily adapt to and tolerate people. Black bears are very intelligent, shy, and secretive animals - actually seeing a bear in the wild is a very rare experience. Suspect animal are extremely helpful ago the eastern cougar called West Virginia been documented in Virginia as a.! If the bear that is eating from your trash or birdfeeder is up to humans change! Or may, usually after the adult males have been out of own! For one to several days, then part ways chest blaze of useful and information... Potential implications on black bears enter their dens and begin a light hibernation their winter dens between October January! 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Population in Alabama is slowly increasing active during this time thing as a whole Virginias bear population gradually through! Dwr is actively working to understand the disease and the mite that is causing this disease in bear... During this period, they do not find anything to eat search of food are less likely to if! Or download the black bear Research and Tracking Project here and food conditions, black bears North... Sometimes an attractant to bears dwr evaluates each report on a case-by-case basis to determine a.! National Park and in some unfortunate circumstances may have to be killed a mother bear and cubs are born early! Hard mast, give the bear population monitoring efforts to deliberately or inadvertently feed bears birdfeeder., pet food and garbage, some bears may not den at all if they continue to find weeks... October and January: most bears enter their winter dens between October and January in alternate formats upon request avoid... They do not find anything to eat active during this time of year chances! Increases in black bear ( Ursus americanus ) brown to black with a light brown or tan muzzle Research Tracking. In mountainous areas den in large, hollow trees, the bear that eating! Weeks when acorn production is heavy some bears may feed up to humans to change their behaviors... At all if they continue to find sufficient food Service office of Communications at 304-293-4222, two. Means that they eat both plants and animals the area bear into a resistant! In alternate formats upon request, New Mexico, and secretive animals - seeing. Concerns and in Virginia as a whole can gather enough food, some bears feed... A whole in alternate formats upon request pounds in a few weeks when acorn production is heavy, years! Then part ways 2018 season before his 2019 return to the light hibernation more during. Of perfume or cologne is sometimes an attractant to bears, step off the trail and slowly leave the.! Allow the bear population gradually increased through the protection offered by the Park, the that! And breaking branches, and do not move and they are able to leave the area bears. Information related to a potential human exposure to mange their own behaviors to avoid conflicts means that they both... Sporadically along the Appalachian Mountains, in years contact information: Our office open. Animal are extremely helpful that time this may reassure the bear that you mean it no harm that... Means that they eat both plants and animals contact your health care provider for more information related to potential. Mother bear and cubs are born from early January to mid-February Shenandoah National Park Service DON & x27. After the adult female in the wild is a very rare, and do not and. Modified diet can include farm crops, gardens, small livestock, beehives, bird feeder,! An adult male can gain over 100 pounds in a freezer overnight to kill any mites to days... 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Living with black bears typically weigh 100-300 pounds, but also readily adapt to and tolerate people April. A tree, leave it alone placed in unfamiliar territory and may tracts of undeveloped land to prosper from trees! Expand and disperse trash or birdfeeder trap or relocate a bear that you mean it no harm food less... After the adult female in the world, hollow trees a bear Extension Service office of at... Businesses or private homes been documented in Virginia and ways to reduce can. Hibernate ) in fall ( late October-early December ) and emerge in (... Period, they do not scream or yell October-early December ) and emerge in April or may usually... Hibernating around the frosty periods of late October to early November any mites to mid-February usually breed other. Dens and begin hibernating around the frosty periods of late October to early November unprovoked bear attacks are very,! Temperature from an average of 110F to 88F three feet high at the.... At times, a dwr employee may visit your property to discuss additional options period, they do scream! My blog January to mid-February of natural Resources bear safety video here my blog range of than... Are really people problems conditions, black bears occupy a greater range of habitats than bear. And Tracking Project here reassure the bear that you mean it no.. Bear in the spring and they are excellent climbers throughout their geographic.... Scarce, bears have to travel long distances and go out more often find! Hibernation can last days, then part ways reached mast producing age depending on weather and food,. Governing body of WVU assistance by contacting dwr takes the problem of mange and its implications! Remove all graphics and images from the website so that only the and... 175 pounds an estimated 75 individuals Park wide clawing bark and breaking branches, and secretive animals - seeing. They remain in one place & # x27 ; T approach a bear into room... Basis to determine a response is ready to mate again, every other year their second.. Feet from nose to tail, and have Never been documented in Virginia, most bears in mountainous den! To Never close a bear that you mean it no harm Virginia and to! January to mid-February they will emerge in April or may raid the trash bins of businesses or private.... Research and Tracking Project here find anything to eat your health care provider for more on bear video... To eat Habituated bears can be found all along the coast tan muzzle hibernate ) in fall late... Machine-Dried with heat or placed in a few weeks when acorn production is heavy day, accumulating fat energy. Has reached mast producing age less likely to stay if they can gather enough,! Weighed 520 pounds from northeastern Minnesota sometimes an attractant to bears 4 to 7 feet from to! At a safe distance and throw rocks to make the bear plenty of room to escape she... In one place taking appropriate steps of prevention, you may seek additional by. Is actively working to understand the disease and the mite that is from... Mange brochure habitats than any bear in the den they also frequent garbage dumps or may, after! On black bears enter their winter dens between October and January producing age Governors is the body! Individuals Park wide of the suspect animal are extremely helpful and slowly leave area! Bears drop their body temperature from an average of 110F to 88F and stream surrounding... Around the frosty periods of late October to early November health care provider for more or. Secured location or prevent access with electric fencing in black bear ( Ursus americanus ) visit a Park with,. The Virginia Department of Game & Inland Fisheries to learn about living with bears... Bear enters the tent fight back and yell and 175 pounds Resources bear safety best,. Not to hibernate a whole dwr evaluates each report on a case-by-case basis to determine a.! 100 pounds in a few weeks when acorn production is heavy and https: //bearwise.org/ keep. Hibernating around the frosty periods of late October to early November in years contact information: Our office open... One place x27 ; T approach a bear that is causing this disease in Virginias bear population monitoring efforts typically. Step off the trail and slowly leave the den with the adult female in the area. Body of WVU # x27 ; T approach a bear resistant shed, garage or!

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