OREGON - Oregon is estimated to be home to between 25,000-30,000 black bears, North America's most prevalent bear species. Fast and agile, Oregon is home to this voracious omnivore who thrives in forests, trails and stream beds where their exceptional athletic prowess allows them to climb trees or swim in streams; furthermore they're adept at running into new territories for food shelter and shade - leaving relatively undisturbed forestland unharmed and undisturbed by humans.
Oregon Is Estimated To Be Home To Between 25,000-30,000 Black Bears
Though attacks by large predators on humans are rare, these large predators still pose a threat. When they lose their natural wariness and become startled by dogs or children, or fed by homeowners leaving food out in backyards carelessly left out, black bears can still pose a danger. While typically shying away from humans altogether, black bears will feed upon whatever food sources available even garbage bins if left lying around for too long - something ODFW carnivore coordinator Derek Broman considers "robust", believing its population will remain robust even as climate change reduces habitat availability for wild prey species species such as themselves.
Black bears typically emerge from hibernation in early spring and spend up to seven months resting in their dens before emerging for food and breeding during their brief summer season. Most commonly found along the Coast, Cascade, and Blue Mountains; however, they can also be found elsewhere across California. When spring arrives they search out flowering plants at lower elevation valley bottoms and grassy slopes in search of floral nectar for reproduction.
Black bears are managed by Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife (ODFW), using hunting as the primary management strategy. ODFW maintains a Black Bear Management Plan which specifies hunting seasons and areas as well as sells bear hunting tags to guide its efforts.
Hunter success rates provide a good indication of bear populations. Since 2005, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife biologists have used a mark-recapture technique with radio-collared bears to obtain more accurate population estimates. They place bait such as deer or elk carcasses near known bear territories before monitoring until captured by hunters with hounds or traps; then monitor through transmitter signals what information the bear provides on location, gender, age and sex status.
Tetracycline mark-recapture provides more detail than other methods, such as collaring. Biologists using this approach are able to more precisely track how many bears have been killed by hunters as well as when hunters caught them, providing vital data that allows the department to make better informed management decisions.
Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife (ODFW) has worked diligently to maintain Oregon's bear population through land management programs and education efforts. They work towards keeping Oregonians aware of how best to coexist with bears so they can continue roaming freely; such as encouraging residents to remove attractants such as bird feeders, trash cans, pet food containers and barbeques from being near homes; these predators should be kept out of yards if at all possible; should one appear make yourself appear larger while remaining calm - these measures will ensure Oregon bears remain within Oregon wilderness - keeping Oregon bears out where they belong - in its wild wilderness!
