Foods and Behaviors
Black bears have an omnivorous diet. In the spring, they eat the emerging plants and carcasses of animals that died in the winter. They eat fruits in the summer and in the fall, they consume both fruit and nuts in the fall. They will also eat pinecones, roots, ants, and honey. In some areas, they frequently kill moose calves and deer fawns in the spring.
In natural habitats, black bears are active during the day. However, in areas with human activity such as campsites and dumps, they often become nocturnal to avoid encounters with humans. Black bears generally like to avoid humans but human encounters with them will occasionally result in injury or death. So, avoiding surprise encounters with them is the best defense.
In natural habitats, black bears are active during the day. However, in areas with human activity such as campsites and dumps, they often become nocturnal to avoid encounters with humans. Black bears generally like to avoid humans but human encounters with them will occasionally result in injury or death. So, avoiding surprise encounters with them is the best defense.
