There is a possibility of encountering a bear population regardless of whether you reside in a heavily forested region, the desert, or near large lakes, in North America. Living in a remote location raises the likelihood of encountering a bear, particularly during camping. While camping in a bear sanctuary is not advisable, taking precautions can prevent a bear attack.
To prevent a bear encounter and defend yourself in case of an attack, it is essential to be informed about bears and their way of life. While conducting individual research with your local wildlife authority is preferable, below is a beginner’s guide to the bears you are likely to come across:
American Black Bears
The American black bear is the most widely distributed bear species in the United States, with over 700,000 residing in 40 mainland states and an additional 300,000 in Alaska, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature. You could encounter one of the 16 distinct subspecies of the American black bear, ranging from the Olympic black bear in Northern California to the Florida black bear in the southeastern states, regardless of where you live.
Despite having a primarily vegetarian diet, American black bears will eat young deer and moose and scavenge already dead carcasses. Northern American black bears consume more during the summer months because they hibernate for up to seven months in the winter, while Southern American black bears usually hibernate for two to three months or may not hibernate at all due to the availability of food year-round.
