To date stable populations of black bears are found in at least portions of 41 out of the 50 United States, Canada and Mexico. Black bears are generally shy, have a sense of smell that is 20 times greater than a dog and are super strong. In late summer and early fall they can eat up to 20,000 calories in a day –which is like eating 40 hamburgers and 40 ice cream sundaes. Their physical abilities and appetites sometimes bring them into areas where humans gather where they might eat barbecue grease, pet food, garbage, bird feeders and bee hives. People that encounter bears should never feed them, stay calm and give them their space. For more information contact Bearizona Wildlife Park 928-635-2289 or visit the web www.bearizona.com/events and click on Bear Aware |