North Carolina Black Bears

Black bears are the only bear species found in North Carolina. They are quite fascinating creatures, as long as you are able to keep your distance from them. Black bears are mostly in the Western part of North Carolina, but they have been known to roam East depending on the situation.

It has been an impressive feat of the various groups working together to bring the black bears back from almost completely going away in our area. With active management of areas and education of humans who are living or traveling around the mountains, their population has been bale to grow while humans are able to stay safe.

Black bears can run up to 35 miles per hour. They can also climb trees well. Make sure to be smart if you are in an area where you may come across a black bear. If you do come across a bear, make sure you take safety precautions. A few important among many: Make Noise, Attempt to stay calm, Keep your distance, Face the bear and try and look as large as possible.

For more facts and important safety measures and interesting info about black bears, check out the following links. Wildlife is indeed wild!

Living with black bears: https://www.carolinacountry.com/departments/departments/feature-story/living-with-black-bears

NC Wildlife Federation: https://ncwf.org/blog/black-bear/

NC Wildlife Resources: https://www.ncwildlife.org/Learning/Species/Mammals/Black-Bear

UNC Charlotte: https://ui.charlotte.edu/story/black-bears-north-carolina-piedmont