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We decided to add this section as a result of our guests and other parties many questions and interest in the American Black Bears of our area. Besides, I have a great affection for bears. This site is for anyone who wishes to learn more about bears, enjoys bear stories or just likes them. It may even invoke a new appreciation of bears for someone. Please browse the site to find information about their behavior, eating habits and more. Read some fun stories about UP and local bears. Check out questions that we hear regarding the bears. Learn about bear activity and how it changes from season to season.
Use the bear buttons below to browse - enjoy!
Karen
Thank you for visiting. Tell your bear lovin' friends!
This is a really cute bear with his ice cream cone.
The picture was taken behind the motel and the cone was added with Photoshop.
Why it is SO important not to feed bears
You have always heard "don't feed the bears". But do you really understand the reason why? Bears are omnivorous, meaning they will eat just about anything. Handouts are a real treat, especially sweets. Once bears get used to receiving food from people, the trouble begins. The bears don't understand the people want to decide when and where they get the food. How could they? Just like kids with candy, they will eventually take some when they're not supposed to. When that happens, the DNR steps in to trap them, tag them and consider them a nuisance. They are moved away from the area and their families. If they get a craving for people food again and get into trouble for it they may be put down. All because someone thought it was fun to feed them. So please remember:
A Fed Bear Is A Dead Bear
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Bear Update: It's spring. The bears are emerging from their dens where they have spent up to 6 months. The adult males emerge first and do not return to the den. Sows with cubs are taking them outside for a first look around at their northwoods home and will stay near the den longer. The bears may seem a bit groggy while adjusting to spring activity after denning. The first order of business is eating to build up strength and fat reserves. In springtime bears in this region often graze on freshly sprouting grasses and plants. They munch on small Aspen branches and their flowers. Ants and ground-nesting larvae along with caterpillars are favorite treats. Sows with cubs tend to linger in areas with large trees. At the first sign of danger she sends them scurrying up for protection.
Please watch for the cubs while driving. They often cross roads behind mom and are careless. They try to keep up,
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In this life I'm a woman. In my next life, I'd like to come back as a bear. When you're a bear, you get to hibernate. You do nothing but sleep for six months. I could deal with that.
Before you hibernate, you're supposed to eat yourself stupid. I could deal with that too.
When you're a girl bear, you birth your children (who are the size of walnuts) while you are sleeping and wake to partially grown, cute, cuddly cubs. I could definitely deal with that.
If you're a mama bear, everyone knows you mean business. You swat anyone who bothers your cubs. If your cubs get out of line, you swat them too. I could deal with that.
If you're a bear, your mate EXPECTS you to wake up growling. He EXPECTS that you will have hairy legs and excess body fat.
Yup, gonna be a bear!
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Links to more informative, interesting and fun bear stuff:
Aurora Photography - Photos of Black bears available in double-matted art prints.
Oswalds Bear Ranch - The largest (bear only) bear ranch in the country. In Michigan's UP.
North American Bear Center - "Our focus is the improve the understanding and appreciation of North American Bears....."
American Bear Association - "Promoting the welfare of the black bear through a better understanding."
National Geographic - Black Bear facts and features.
We hope you've enjoyed our "Bear Page". We will be adding more info, pictures and stories, and of course the seasonal UPDATE, so stop by again!
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All photos are property of Karen Karl and should not be duplicated or used in any way without permission-Thank you.
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