There is a common belief that black bears are highly dangerous, blood-thirsty animals. However, black bears are not nearly as vicious as many people believe they are. Before we dive into the details, let’s talk a little bit about the species.
(McIntosh, n.d.)
One of the reasons why many people fear black bears is because they are under the impression that these massive mammals are solely carnivorous. In reality, Black Bears only eat meat when their preferred foods are unavailable. (Quick Black Bear Facts, n.d.) What are their preferred foods, you ask? Black Bears primarily eat nuts, berries, acorns, and insects. (Quick Black Bear Facts, n.d.) When they do eat meat, humans are not an appetizing choice.
If the bear’s diet isn’t enough to sway you, the Black Bear species is notoriously intelligent and gentle unless threatened or afraid. (Alvarez & Nark, 2023)
Black Bear diets are 75% vegetarian (Home, n.d.).
Black Bear Attacks
Incidents of Black Bears attacking humans are incredibly rare. In fact, it’s estimated that about one Black Bear attack in the United States every two years. (Licavoli, 2021) Since the year 1900, over a century ago, there have only been 67 fatalities linked to Black Bear attacks (Licavoli, 2021). In general, Black Bears tend to avoid humans as much as possible in the wild, unless they have been familiarized with captivity – in which case, they can actually be quite cuddly. However, it is never a wise choice to try to engage with an animal in the wild, even if your intentions are good.
Think of it this way: Imagine that you’re sitting at home watching TV, and a Black Bear walks into your house and tries to wrap its arms around you. Odds are, your first thought is not going to be “oh goodie, hugs!” Wild animals will feel just as threatened when people enter their space and try to engage.
In Conclusion…
Black Bears are not violent, evil creatures. They are just out and about living their lives, and should be left to do so. It’s unrealistic to expect any animal to allow humans to breach their personal bubbles without being afraid and retaliating – which is the only time that Black Bears are known to attack humans.
Works Cited
Quick Black Bear Facts. (n.d.). North American Bear Center. Retrieved March 20, 2023, from https://bear.org/quick-black-bear-facts/
McIntosh, M. (n.d.). North American Black Bear Eating Berries [Photo]. https://wiseaboutbears.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/bearmountian-ashsept-2013D800.jpg
Licavoli, K. (2021, March 16). Are Black Bears Dangerous? Map of Black Bear Attacks Since 2011. Greenbelly Meals. Retrieved March 20, 2023, from https://www.greenbelly.co/pages/are-black-bears-dangerous
Home. (n.d.). YouTube. Retrieved March 20, 2023, from https://blog.americanexpedition.us/black-bear-infographic/?utm_source=pinterest&utm_medium=social
Alvarez, A. A., & Nark, J. (2023, March 18). Biologists begin count of Pennsylvania’s black bears. Philadelphia Inquirer. Retrieved March 20, 2023, from https://www.inquirer.com/news/pennsylvania/bears-blackbear-pennsylvania-cubs-poconos-camping-hiking-20230318.html
2 Responses to “Are Black Bears Dangerous?”
I like this piece! I watched “Cocaine Bear” in theaters recently and besides that and a few news clips in my childhood, I cannot remember a black bear being aggressive. Granted, every time I have seen one at my uncle’s farm, I have scurried inside as to not find out.
Very cute! If black bears were so dangerous, they wouldn’t be friend shaped. I was glad to see some stereotypes being busted here about black bears. They can actually be scaredy cats. Although I was actually surprised to learn that they’re omnivores! I have heard they sometimes get drunk off of fermented fruits.