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If a black bear attacks you, fight back. Black bears have been driven away when people have fought back with rocks, sticks, binoculars and even their bare hands. If You Encounter a Bear While Camping:
The 750,000 black bears of North America kill less than one person per year on the average, while men ages 18-24 are 167 times more likely to kill someone than a black bear. Most attacks by black bears are defensive reactions to a person who is too close, which is an easy situation to avoid.
Aug 30, 2024 · Identifying Characteristics. Of the three bear species (black, brown, and polar bears) in North America, only the black bear lives in Virginia. Shy and secretive, the sighting of a bear is a rare treat for most Virginians. However, bears are found throughout most of the Commonwealth, and encounters between bears and people are increasing.
Jul 29, 2024 · Bear complaints in Virginia more than doubled from 2021 to 2023, jumping from 900 to more than 2,100, according to a wildlife conflict helpline managed by the state's Department of Wildlife...
- 1 min
- Cybele Mayes-Osterman
Mar 16, 2021 · Most black bear attacks occur when a person surprises a bear or gets too close, causing the bear to act defensively (especially if mama bear is walking around with her cubs). Rarely, there have been episodes where a black bear has acted predatorily.
Sep 20, 2022 · Black bears can be dangerous wild animals, but they rarely attack or kill campers. Follow these guides to stay safe during a black bear encounter.
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In the unlikely event that a black bear attacks you, fight back. Black bears have been driven away with rocks, sticks and even bare hands. If you have any additional questions, contact the Wildlife Conflict Helpline at (855) 571-9003.
