Bears in the Western North Carolina mountains probably don't realize that the recent warm, sunny days are part of the Spring of Deception. As a matter of fact, their behavior indicates that bears don't give much credence at all to memes about the seasons.
I almost can't believe it, but it really is almost spring, and in this region, that means the bears (Ursus americanus, American Black Bear) are coming out of their dens. Males first, then females with their yearlings, and finally females with cubs of the year. They are all hungry and searching for food.
Humans are among the only predators for black bears and also the greatest source of danger to them. If you live with bears, please be mindful of how your behavior impacts their lives. Bears who become habituated to humans and human spaces as a source of food often end up being killed. This is the time to take bird feeders down and to make sure trash is secure. Be mindful of what goes into your compost pile. Do not leave pet food or human food unattended. DO NOT DELIBERATELY FEED BEARS. They do not need help finding food.
Please be alert when driving. Thousands of bears are killed by cars every year. If you see one bear near or on the road, please slow down or even stop to watch for others. It can take a mother bear (sow) several minutes to usher her cubs across a road.
If you live in North Carolina and have concerns about a bear, you can call the NC Wildlife Resources Commission at 866-318-2401. If you live elsewhere in bear country, please research and make a note of the number to call in your area so that you have it handy in case of emergency.
I have lived in Bear Country for years and have had several encounters with them. I never cease to be awed by their power, their beauty, and their intelligence, and when we decided to purchase this home, I was thrilled to know that we would still have bears for neighbors. Not only did our human neighbors confirm this, but the bears let us know by leaving calling cards in the yard. One friend messaged to me "Only YOU would be happy to see bear poop!"
I do not feel threatened by the proximity of bears; what makes me uncomfortable is the habits and behaviors of humans that change bear behavior or cause bears to become habituated to humans and human homes as sources of food. Rhodes and I work hard to educate ourselves (and anyone who will listen) about safe and peaceful co-existence in bear country.
If you live with bears or just love them as much as I do, you can learn a lot about bear behavior by following Appalachian Bear Rescue's efforts on their website or Facebook page. I am willing to bet the cubby and yearling residents' escapades, and even the curators, will make you smile or laugh at least one time. Please note: DO NOT CONTACT ABR about a bear that might need help. They cannot offer assistance; cubs come to them through dedicated wildlife agencies.
Finally, the website Bearwise.org is without a doubt the best resource for information on living in bear country. Here is a direct link to their article about Seven Tips for a BearWise spring: https://bearwise.org/seven-tips-for-a-bearwise-spring/
Be wise. Be safe. Be kind. And please, be a good steward of the community in which you live.
IMPORTANT BEAR LINKS:
North Carolina residents: https://www.ncwildlife.org/Blog/what-happens-to-orphaned-black-bear-cubs-in-north-carolina
Best website for information about living in bear country: https://bearwise.org/
https://appalachianbearrescue.org/
