American Black Bear

An American black bear (Ursus americanus) and her three cubs were spotted by Bill Wallace on the express trail. Mother black bears are incredibly protective of their offspring, but it is highly unusual for one to attack a human. Instead bears will bluff-charge, blow sharply, and slap their front paws against the ground to intimidate threats to their young. Even so, it is better to appreciate them from afar. 

Black bears are North America's most common bear and with population trends on the rise, they have become adapted to living in more urban settings to survive. They are omnivores whose diets consist of grasses, roots, berries, insects, and meat -- sometimes out of our garbage! Remember to carry all trash off the trails so wildlife can follow their natural behaviors. 

Photo by Tom Bisko