By ecoRI.org News
staff
As black bear
populations continue to increase in neighboring states, it's likely that their
presence in Rhode Island will become more frequent, according to the state
Department of Environmental Management (DEM). A single wandering bear can be
responsible for numerous sightings.
Breeding season for black bears occurs during June and July, causing adult males to travel great distances in search of breeding-age females.
DEM environmental
police officers and wildlife biologists are working with local police to track
bear sightings and complaints. They are also educating people on how to coexist
with these bears.
Black bears are
generally shy and fearful of humans. However, they can become dependent on
backyard food sources. Although they have poor eyesight, bears are intelligent
and adaptable, and have a keen sense of smell that detects garbage, birdseed,
fruit, compost piles, outdoor pet dishes and barbecue grills. Once a bear finds
a food source it may return to the same site.
The DEM says it's
important to reduce these sources. Without food attractions, and left alone, a
curious bear will usually wander back into more secluded areas. Here are some
tips provided by the DEM:
• If you see a bear on
your property either leave it alone and wait for it to leave, or make loud
noises from a safe distance and wave your arms to scare it away.
• If you surprise a
bear at close range, walk away slowly while facing the bear, but avoid eye
contact, which it might perceive as a threat.
• No hunting. In Rhode
Island, black bears are protected animals and hunting them is illegal.
Black bears are
generally solitary creatures. In the East, they range from New England south
through the Appalachians to northern Georgia. Black bear habitat is forestland,
generally with both deciduous and coniferous trees, along with streams, swamps
and rock ledges. Bears are typically nocturnal, but may be active during the
day. They are omnivorous and eat grasses, leaves, fruit, nuts and berries.
Occasionally, they will prey on small mammals, yet rarely on deer and livestock.
They will also eat insects, particularly ants and bees, and scavenge carrion.
Adult female black
bears weigh between 110 and 150 pounds; adult males typically weigh between 200
and 250 pounds. Adults are 5-6 feet long. They climb trees and can swim, and
they can run up to 35 mph. Females will defend their cubs, so it's
important to avoid them and never get between a female and her cubs.
For more information,
visit dem.ri.gov. Call the DEM at 401-222-3070 to report a
bear sighting.