February is prime birthing time for Georgia’s black bears. In dens in hollow trees, caves and rocky crevices, bear mothers are giving birth now to cubs weighing only 8-10 ounces. Two months from now, the newborns will venture out with their mothers for the first time from their dens.
If any of Georgia’s native animals symbolize wildness, it is the black bear, the state’s only bear species. Georgia’s bear population, the Department of Natural Resources says, is healthy, with more than 5,100 animals in three populations — in North Georgia‘s mountains, in the Ocmulgee River watershed in central Georgia and in the Okefenokee Swamp.
Unfortunately, a lot of undue claims about black bears cause many people to inordinately fear the creatures and want their numbers reduced. For instance, a 2007 book, titled “Radical Bear Hunter,” states that “the black bear can be extremely dangerous to humans.” It can stalk, kill and even eat you, wrote author Dick Scorzafava.
However, such dangers are greatly exaggerated, perhaps even false, according to researchers. During a recent talk at Smithgall Woods State Park in White County, Tom Hennigan, a biology professor and bear expert at Truett-McConnell College in Cleveland, tried to dispel some false assumptions about black bears.
Generally, black bears are not aggressive and usually are more afraid — even timid — of you than you are of them, he said.
There are no recorded bear attacks — and no fatalities — involving humans in Georgia, he noted. There have only been two documented fatal black bear attacks in the entire Southeast.
If you do encounter a black bear in the woods or in your neighborhood, the DNR advises: “Don’t panic … enjoy seeing one of Georgia’s most intriguing mammals.”
That doesn’t mean, however, that you shouldn’t have a healthy respect for the bear. Do not approach it; respect its territory — and never feed a bear or any other wild animal.
“As more people move into black bear habitat,” Hennigan said, “the truth about bears becomes even more important.”
More information: georgiawildlife.com/node/1390.
In the sky: From David Dundee, Tellus Science Museum astronomer: The moon will be first-quarter Monday. All of the visible planets rise in the east right now: Mercury, low in the sky just before sunrise; Venus (shining brightly), about two hours before sunrise; Mars, about midnight; Jupiter, a few hours after dark; Saturn, just after midnight.
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