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Facts about Wisconsin’s Black Bear
Facts about Wisconsin’s Black Bear
Weight: Males, 250-350 lbs; females, 120-180 lbs.
Body Characteristics: Bears appear bulky and are
glossy black, with a tan patch across the nose. Brown
and cinnamon colored bears appear less often.
Reproduction: Black bears are sexually mature at 3 yrs
of age. Females will breed every other year from then
on. Mating takes place from June to early July. During
the 225-day gestation period, the fertilized egg
experiences delayed implantation until late November
or early December. Females then give birth to two to
three cubs in January or early February while they are
still in their winter sleep!
Cubs: At birth the bear cubs weigh 7-12 oz. Their eyes
are closed and fur is sparse. Growth takes place
quickly. Cubs will first venture into the world with their
mother in late March. They remain with their mother
through the summer and usually den with her the
following winter. In the springtime, the mother will
chase off the cubs so she can breed again.
Diet: Bears are omnivorous, meaning they will eat
almost anything! Their diet generally consists of
vegetation, insects, berries, and nuts. Occasionally they
eat carrion and small mammals. They also target
livestock, beehives, garbage, and agricultural crops.
Habitat: Large forested areas with swamps and stream
bottoms, and areas with minimal development are good
habitat for black bears. They are also found around
thick ground vegetation with lots of trees and bushes
that produce nuts and berries. Fallen trees provide
bears with locations to dig a winter den.
Behavior: Bears are typically shy animals and secretive, most go to great lengths to avoid humans. Bears typically wander over long distances. Home ranges are about 27 square miles for males,
and about 8 square miles for females. Black bears are most active around
dusk, but may be out and about any time of the day or night. Mid-May to late September is the period of most activity.
Winter sleep: Bears are not true hibernators! During the winter months bears “den up” where they will fall into a deep sleep. During this time bears live off the body fat they have accumulated during the fall. Their body temperature, heart beat and respiration decrease, but not to the level where hibernation occurs. Dormant bears can be easily awakened from their winter sleep!
Source: Wisconsin DNR
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