Black bear sightings in Western North Carolina have increased as the bear population continues to expand outward and into urban areas. The situation is becoming a pain in the ursus for many urban and suburban people as the number of bear attacks are a little too close to home. The map below shows the expansion of bear sightings in only a year.
With so many attacks on dogs, our faithful companions, we may begin to wonder if bears are targeting our canine guardians to lower our defenses, or even planning to replace them in the future. But the worst is yet to come...
Not only are bears targeting our natural home defenders, but they are also intruding on our porches, patios and Porsches because we make comfort living accessible.
There are several incidents from numerous drivers who have found their automobile damaged because of a black bear. Perhaps the chips in the back seat were a magnet, or perhaps they were truly wanting to be passengers on a long road trip, possibly to cover more area.
The birdfeeders you leave out for cardinals and finches spell free food for bears. You may take every precaution and keep a clean, garbage free area, but even simple bird seed is a gourmet snack for bears.
Ever want to just lounge outside, drink a glass of wine and relax for a bit? Bears do, too. Whatever you have outside, whether it be outdoor chairs, hammocks, umbrellas, the bears will see your backyard as a neighborly resort and will have a spa day on your private property.
It's all starting to come together...
Compared to other mammals, bears have a surprisingly big brain-to-body mass ratio. Studies have also shown that bears can count and perform high cognitive tasks, such as Brutus, who could read numbers. He may be smarter than the average bear, but with the motivation of food, anything is possible.
Though black bears can weigh anything up to 400 pounds, easier access and incentive to eat human food is not only expanding their stomachs, and possibly their appetites, but is also expanding their population. It's going to be hard to fend of a big momma bear and her six cubs.
Bears can run up to 35 miles per hour. Usain Bolt broke the record for humans at 27.8 mph. The average for average humans is around 10-15mph. There is no way for a human to outrun a charging 400 pound mass that's most likely running for the kill.
Big brains, big size, and incredibly fast, a bear also has a superior sense of smell, even to dogs. Bears can smell up to 20 miles away from the source. They know where the food is... and when they know where the food is, that means...
