New Bern’s Wild Neighbors: Understanding Our Local Black Bear Population

A black bear, a common sight in New Bern’s surrounding natural areas.

New Bern, with its charming historic streets and picturesque waterfront, is a beloved place to call home. But beyond our manicured lawns and bustling downtown, we share our space with a thriving natural environment. As our community grows and develops, encounters with one of our most fascinating wild neighbors – the American Black Bear – are becoming increasingly common. Far from being a cause for alarm, understanding and respecting these magnificent creatures is key to peaceful coexistence.

Why Are We Seeing More Bears?

Several factors contribute to the increasing visibility of black bears in and around New Bern:

• Habitat Overlap: As New Bern expands, urban and suburban areas naturally encroach upon wildlife habitats. Bears are adapting to living closer to human development.
• Successful Conservation: Decades of conservation efforts by the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) have led to a healthy and growing black bear population across the state.
• Food Availability: Bears are opportunistic omnivores. Natural food sources can fluctuate, and human-provided food (like trash, pet food, or birdseed) is an irresistible and easily accessible calorie source.
• Seasonal Movements: Young male bears often disperse in the spring and early summer to find their own territories, which can lead them through unfamiliar areas, including residential neighborhoods. Pregnant females and mothers with cubs also seek safe havens.

Understanding Our Black Bear Neighbors

The American Black Bear (Ursus americanus) is generally a shy and non-aggressive animal. They are more afraid of you than you are of them, and most encounters involve a bear quickly retreating. Here are some key facts:

• Diet: Bears are omnivores. Their diet primarily consists of berries, nuts, acorns, insects, roots, and occasionally small mammals or carrion. They are highly attracted to human food sources due to their high caloric value.
• Behavior: They are typically crepuscular (active at dawn and dusk) but can be active at any time, especially when searching for food. They have an incredible sense of smell, far superior to dogs.
• Size: Adult black bears in North Carolina can weigh anywhere from 150 to 500 pounds, with males generally larger than females.
• Cubs: Mother bears are very protective of their cubs, which are born in winter dens and emerge in spring. Keep a respectful distance if you encounter a mother with cubs.

Living Peacefully: Preventing Bear Encounters

The vast majority of human-bear conflicts are directly related to accessible food sources. By taking a few simple precautions, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of a bear visiting your property:

1. Secure Your Trash: This is the single most important step. Use bear-resistant garbage cans or keep your cans in a secure garage or shed until collection day. Put them out the morning of pick-up, not the night before.
2. Remove Bird Feeders: Birdseed, suet, and nectar are high-calorie attractants for bears. Remove feeders from April through November, or ensure they are inaccessible.
3. Clean Outdoor Grills: Scrape your grill clean after every use and store it in a secure location. The smell of cooking residue is a strong attractant.
4. Never Leave Pet Food Outdoors: Feed pets indoors or remove any uneaten food immediately.
5. Harvest Ripe Fruit: If you have fruit trees or berry bushes, pick ripe produce promptly and remove any fallen fruit from the ground.
6. Manage Compost Piles: Avoid adding meat scraps, dairy, or other strong-smelling foods to outdoor compost. Consider a bear-proof composter.
7. Educate Your Neighbors: Share this information with friends and family. A community-wide effort is most effective.

What To Do If You Encounter a Bear

While rare, encounters can happen. Knowing how to react calmly and appropriately is crucial:

• Remain Calm: Do not run. Running can trigger a chase response.
• Make Yourself Known: Speak in a calm, assertive voice. Make noise. Wave your arms slowly to appear larger.
• Back Away Slowly: Give the bear plenty of space to retreat. Create a clear escape route for the bear.
• Do Not Approach: Never approach a bear, especially a mother with cubs. Maintain a safe distance.
• If a Bear Approaches: Stand your ground. Make loud noises, clap your hands, and be as intimidating as possible. If an attack occurs (extremely rare for black bears), fight back with anything available.

When to Contact Wildlife Officials

For most bear sightings, no action is needed. The bear will likely move on its own. However, there are situations when you should contact the NC Wildlife Resources Commission:

• If a bear appears sick or injured.
• If a bear is trapped in a building or other confined space.
• If a bear is repeatedly causing property damage despite your best efforts to remove attractants.
• If a bear acts aggressively towards people or pets (very rare).

You can contact the NCWRC at their Eastern Region office during business hours or via their enforcement hotline. For emergencies involving an immediate threat, call 911.

By understanding black bear behavior and taking proactive steps to minimize attractants, New Bern residents can ensure both their safety and the continued flourishing of our unique wildlife. Let’s embrace our role as responsible neighbors in New Bern’s rich ecological tapestry.