NATIONAL BLACK BEAR DAY
On the first Saturday in June, National Black Bear Day recognizes the most commonly found bear in North America.
Also known as the American black bear, its scientific name is Ursus americanus. Despite their name, black bears can even come shades of cinnamon, blue/black, blue/grey and in rare instances, white. Found in 40 U.S. states and every Canadian province, the black bear’s enormous range is only beaten by one other four-legged mammal, the whitetail deer.
#NationalBlackBearDay
According to North Carolina Black Bear Biologist, Colleen Olfenbuttel, coastal North Carolina has the largest black bears on the planet. The current world record and the previous world record came from North Carolina. She also points out the northeastern part of the state also has the world’s highest black bear densities. In North Carolina black bears have access to high protein crops and enjoy mild winters – which is why they are so many bears and grow to be so enormous there.
When a black bear stands on its hind legs, it has the most human-like qualities. They have a prey instead of a predator mentality, so they aren’t interested in eating you or your pets. Because they are omnivores, bears eat plants and animals. They forage for berries, roots, and insects, but will also eat small mammals, fish, and carrion. If a bear has been fed human food, it will also help himself to your picnic leftovers or camping supplies. This is where they have earned a bad reputation, but that’s why we shouldn’t feed the bears!
HOW TO OBSERVE National Black Bear Day
Learn more about the American black bear. It’s likely you live within driving distance of a preserve where black bears can be observed in the wild. Respect their habitat, follow the park’s rules, and you’ll get to view one of North America’s most extraordinary animals. Use #NationalBlackBearDay to share on social media.
NATIONAL BLACK BEAR DAY HISTORY
NC Black Bear Festival founded National Black Bear Day the first Saturday in June to celebrate America’s black bear while educating people about this magnificent mammal and dispelling many of the myths.
The Registrar at National Day Calendar proclaimed National Black Bear Day to be observed annually beginning in 2018.
