Black bears are omnivorous, eating grasses, berries, fruit, nuts, seeds, insects, grubs, and carrion, as well as human sources of food like corn, honey, bird seed, trash, and pet food when available.

Although the color of black bears actually varies widely in other parts of North America,
Once thought to inhabit only large forests, over the past two decades, black bears have been expanding their range and can now be found in a variety of habitats including developed areas.  One of the more common encounters occurs when bears obtain food from human sources.

Facts About Bear Behavior

Bears are Curious - They spend a great deal of time exploring for food, and this can bring them close to humans.
Bears are Intelligent - Bears learn from experience. If an activity results in food, they will repeat that activity. If an encounter with a human is negative, they learn to avoid humans. Also if an encounter with a human doesn't result in a reward (food), they will not have any reason to have contact with humans.
Feeding Bears Creates "Bad" Bears - When bears learn to obtain food from humans, they can become bold and aggressive.
Feeding Bears is Bad for Bears - Bear's natural foraging habits and behavior can be changed. Usually solitary, bears can be concentrated in areas causing stress, injuries from physical conflicts, and the spread of diseases. Often when feeding on garbage or camper's supplies bears will eat unhealthy materials such as soap, shaving cream, insect repellant, food packaging, etc.

Never deliberately feed bears and avoid unintentionally feeding bears. If you avoid attracting and rewarding bears, you, your property and the bears will all benefit.

Problems with Black Bears

Typically these negative encounters fall into one of the following categories:

All of these situations can be avoided through simple changes in human behavior. Black bears are an important and natural component of our ecosystem. Whether you live or recreate in the bear country, please help maintain and protect the bears, and at the same time protect yourself and your property.