Q. How strong is a bear's sense of smell?
A. Bears are thought to have the best sense of smell of any animal on Earth. A bear's sense of smell is seven times better than a bloodhound's or 2,100 times better than a human's. This is because the surface area inside their noses has hundreds of times more scent receptors than a human's. Bears rely on this sense of smell to locate mates, detect and avoid danger, identify cubs and find food. According to americanbear.org, bears have been known to travel many miles - up to 40 miles in one reported case- to reach a prey animal or carcass they have detected. As for locating garbage within city limits? For black bears it's a no brainer.
Q. Are black bears smart?
A. Black bears' ability to adapt to human activities, locate human food sources and get into them is legendary. In fact, bears are considered by some authorities to be as smart as the great apes, according to Dan LeGrandeur, Bear Scare trainer and educator.
Q. Can black bears run fast?
A. The bulk of the average black bear does not slow them down. Over short distances, they can run up to 55 km/h.
Q. What do bears eat in the wild?
A. Black bears will eat almost anything available. Most of their food is vegetation and this time of year it will be new green shoots. In late summer, when berries, fruits and nuts are in season, they will also eat blueberries, strawberries, salmonberries, cherries and apples, acorns and hazelnuts. They will overturn logs, old stumps and stones to find insects such as ants and grasshoppers. They will also eat salmon, newborn moose calves and deer fawn, and carrion of any sort. They drink frequently and are often found near water.
Q. When is bears' mating season?
A. Bears typically mate during June and July and the cubs are born the following January or February, while the female is still in her winter den.
