While the highest concentration of bears occurs in the Blue Ridge and Alleghany Mountains and around the Great Dismal Swamp, bears can be seen just about anywhere in Virginia.
Are there grizzly bears in Virginia?
Virginia has black bears which range in color from light brown to dark black. There are no grizzly or polar bears in Virginia. Black bears gorge during the Fall on acorns and whatever else they can find, then stay in a den (usually a hollow tree) during the winter.
How common are bears in Virginia?
If you live in Virginia, you live in bear country! Black Bears are found throughout Virginia, and may even be seen in some suburban and urban locations. The bear population is healthy with an estimated 17,000 bears in the state.
How many black bears are in Virginia?
Better management and changing ecological conditions have resulted in increases in black bear numbers throughout their geographic range. By current estimates, more than 900,000 are living today on the continent with 5,000 to 6,000 of those in Virginia.
Are black bears aggressive?
In most cases, black bears are relatively shy, only acting aggressively as a last resort. Nevertheless, the most effective way to avoid a bear attack is by preventing encounters in the first place. Just because black bears can be less dangerous than other large carnivores doesn’t mean fatal attacks don’t happen.
Are mountain lions in Virginia?
According to the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources, there are no mountain lions (or cougars or Pumas) in Virginia. They say the last mountain lion in Virginia was killed in 1882. … Mountain lions are common in many western states, and there seems to be strong evidence that they are moving east.
Are there wolves in Virginia?
Although this species once ranged throughout most of North America and Mexico, it is now fairly rare in the United States with most of the individuals found in Alaska. … This species used to occur throughout Virginia, but is now considered extirpated from the state.
What state has the most black bear?
The Largest Black Bears on the Planet. A little known Bear Fact is that coastal North Carolina is home to the largest black bears on the planet! How big are they? North Carolina’s coastal black bears average 50-100 lbs or more than their cousins.
What do you do if a bear is chasing you?
Identify yourself by talking calmly so the bear knows you are a human and not a prey animal. Remain still; stand your ground but slowly wave your arms. Help the bear recognize you as a human. It may come closer or stand on its hind legs to get a better look or smell.
Do black bears avoid dogs?
Black bears usually run away when dogs chase them. Even the smallest breeds of dogs have scared black bears away. However, bears learn to ignore dogs that are tied up or in pens. Ely researchers watched a yearling black bear forage and rest 100 yards from a dozen barking, tethered huskies.
What to do if a bear is outside your house?
Stand and face the bear directly. Never run away from or approach him. Make yourself look as big as possible by spreading your arms or, better yet, a coat. Make as much noise as possible by yelling, banging pots and pans or using other noisemaking devices.
Do black bears eat meat?
Because of their versatile diet, black bears can live in a variety of habitat types. … American black bears are omnivorous, meaning they will eat a variety of things, including both plants and meat. Their diet includes roots, berries, meat, fish, insects, larvae, grass, and other succulent plants.
What months are black bears most active?
If you want to give yourself the best chance to see an active bear, September and October are the best months. Bears are most active during this period, preparing for their lengthy hibernation. Some of the most popular activities for bears include snoozing, wandering, and fishing.
What time of year bears mate?
Not only are male bears promiscuous, but females often have more than one mating partner. Breeding season begins in May and lasts until early July, with mating mainly occurring during June.
What time of day are black bears most active in fall?
Behavior: Most bears become active a half-hour before sunrise, take a nap or two during the day, and bed down for the night an hour or two after sunset. Some bears are active mainly at night to avoid people or other bears. Black bears are considered highly efficient hibernators.
What smell do bears hate?
Bears Dislike the Scent of Anything Pine Related Including Pine Oil. While bears love anything sweet (yes, even honey) they have often been found to steer clear of anything pine-scented. Bears dislike the scent of any pine-scented cleaners that contain pine.
Can I hug a bear?
Bears are protective of their families, especially of their cubs. They travel and play together and give each other bear hugs. … Hugging your teddy bear may be the closest thing to hugging a real bear, but at least you know it’s a safe hug.
Where Do bears sleep at night?
It is not uncommon for male polar bears and polar bears that are not pregnant or with young to remain active through periods of low food availability. Bears in zoos will not hibernate if food is available, though they will slow down and sleep more than usual. Some zoo bears are fed year round, and do not hibernate.
What big cats live in Virginia?
Bobcats are adaptable, predatory members of the North American cat family. The only wild feline still found in the state, they are common in the Dismal Swamp and the mountains of Virginia and are rarely seen in other areas.
Are coyotes in Virginia?
Coyotes are found throughout Virginia, including in urban and suburban areas. … The best way to prevent coyotes from becoming a problem is to avoid giving them a reason to come near your home. Keep reading to get more tips.
What to do if a cougar is on your trail?
If you see or encounter a cougar: Immediately and forcefully show the animal that you’re a human: Put small children behind you or pick them up. Stop, look big, wave your arms, vocalize. Also, control your dogs, Do not run away. Running and rapid movements may trigger a chase response.
Are there Panthers in Virginia?
Black panthers are already back in Virginia and West Virginia. … Willis catalogues hundreds of firsthand panther reports in eastern states over recent decades, including 25 to 50 per year in West Virginia, but only five to six per year in Virginia.
Do they have alligators in Virginia?
In the past, the range of American Alligators extended just up into Virginia, mostly in the area of the Great Dismal Swamp. … Though they have not returned to Virginia just yet, American Alligators can be found from Florida to North Carolina, just shy of the VA border.
Does Virginia have moose?
Moose are notoriously shy creatures, so spotting them anywhere is an exciting experience. But to spot one in Virginia? It’s practically unheard of! At least, that was the case until recently, when a moose was spotted near Lake Frederick in northern Virginia.
How long does a black bear live?
Black bears can smell and hear very well. They can also climb trees and are strong swimmers. Black bears can run 35 miles per hour and can live for more than 25 years.
What state has the most bear attacks?
Alaska The Southwest, Midwest, and Alaska are where most bear-related deaths have occurred. Fox News 31 in Colorado report that half of the country’s recorded bear attacks have occurred in Montana, Wyoming, Utah, Colorado, New Mexico, and Arizona. An additional 33% of attacks occurred in Alaska.
What does bear avoid Like most animals?
Answer: Bears are mostly afraid of human. This is only applicable when you make loud noises. If tou run away from them they think that you look weak and they’ll chase you.
Which bear Do you play dead?
Play dead: If the brown bear continues to charge at you, play dead. Grizzlies attack when they feel surprised or threatened, so they tend to stop attacking when there’s no longer a threat. However, don’t just get up and run away once the bear leaves.
Can you outrun a bear?
A human cannot outrun a bear if being chased. … The only scenario where a human might out-sprint a bear is if a polar bear was chasing Usain Bolt. A human can, however, outrun a bear in terms of distance. If a human was hunting or chasing a bear, they could run the bear to the point of exhaustion and catch it.
Do bears eat humans alive?
A bear will eat you alive in certain conditions. But in most face-to-face encounters, bears will not attack you and they won’t eat you alive. There are so many myths about bears that it can seem impossible to distinguish facts from fiction.
