Bears are omnivorous and their diets vary seasonally. Sleep away from food areas. what factors control the growth of West Virginias bear population. Genus: Ursus Tre Mitchell scored 14 points for West Virginia Mountaineers. Fact: Because black bears can tree their cubs, it is rare for them to injure a person in that situation. in urban areas of West Virginia, black bears were fitted with GPS tracking collars They are typically nocturnal and generally avoid people, but also readily adapt to and tolerate people. SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. Spring is here and that means West Virginias black bears are coming out of their winter hibernation and looking for food. Bears studied in eastern North Carolina by radio-telemetry entered dens as early as November and as late as January. Adult black bears typically weigh 100-300 pounds, but males can exceed 500 pounds. The mortality rate for first-year cubs is about 20% in Virginia. This data is also being shared cooperatively with neighboring states where mange is present so that we can work collaboratively to determine long-term solutions and potential impacts on bear populations. On occasion they may venture from their dens, walk about, and return to denning. The black bear is a symbol of Louisiana, New Mexico, and West Virginia. Back away slowly while facing the bear. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'statesymbolsusa_org-medrectangle-3','ezslot_2',135,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-statesymbolsusa_org-medrectangle-3-0');Black bears are found in all of West Virginia's 55 counties. They are typically nocturnal and generally avoid people, but also readily adapt to and tolerate people. Mites can transfer to a new host when an unaffected animal comes into direct physical contact with an infested host. Learning about bears will prevent negative interactions and dispel unfounded fears. The black Bear is a solitary creature (except females with cubs). den beginning in mid-March and re-enter the den beginning in mid-November. Male black bears (boars) are between five and six feet long and two to three feet tall and they typically weigh between 100 and 300 pounds. Removal of a bear from an area is a decision not taken lightly, is normally a last result, and typically a consequence of human actions related to intentional or unintentional feeding. of all the other categories combined. Black bears are thriving in Shenandoah National Park and in Virginia as a whole. If you are from another state, please indicate your interest by signing up for notification when your state is added. The remainder includes mostly insects and larva, carrion, fish, and occasionally small mammals. Contaminated clothing should be washed and machine-dried with heat or placed in a freezer overnight to kill any mites. Bears are particularly successful at Shenandoah National Park because the park provides large areas of contiguous, high quality, forest habitat. When spring arrives and the snow begins to melt, bears start to wake up after months of hibernation. They emerge occasionally on warm days, and then in the Spring they will start ranging through their territory for food and mating. While there were probably once as many as two million black bears in North America before European colonization, the population declined to a low of 200,000 as a result of habitat destruction and hunting. DWR takes the problem of mange and its potential implications on black bears seriously. Copy. Black bears generally require large areas of diverse habitat to thrive. Males commonly weigh between 130 to 500 pounds. Females will have their cubs around February and nurse them in the den. This results in the possibility of bear sightings and roadkills in all months and the misconception that coastal bears do not hibernate. In some parts of the world, bear gall bladders and paws are believed to have traditional medicinal value, and this has led to a lucrative market in these items - a market which ultimatley increases poaching of bears. On rare occasions, yearling bears may even stay with the adult female until the next denning season. Is it legal or advisable to euthanize a problem bear? Within the park, male black bears were found to occupy ranges of from 10 to nearly 300 square miles while females ranged in areas from approximately 1 to 20 square miles. Hibernation is the condition in which animals become inactive during winter. Hiking at dawn or dusk may increase your chances of meeting a bear. While the highest concentration of bears occurs in the Blue Ridge and Alleghany Mountains and around the Great Dismal Swamp, bears can be seen just about anywhere in Virginia. Female black bears mature as early as three years old. Bears may also gather at places with abundant food sources. Some bears may not den at all if they continue to find sufficient food. The state Division of Natural Resources conducted a poll to elect a state animal as a symbol for West Virginia in 1954-55. Fight back. Contacts | About us | Privacy Policy & Cookies. Since 2018, reports have increased in frequency and geographic spread, and mange has been confirmed in 14 counties. and the types of conflicts (Figure 2) that are reported. Black bears are omnivorous. This practice only strengthens a bears association of humans and food. Black bears have small eyes, rounded ears, a long snout, large non retractable claws, a large body, a short tail, and shaggy hair. Eyesight at longer distances is poor. After ensuring the bear has an escape route, make lots of noise to encourage it to leave. Photo by Mike Vaughan, VT. In the eastern United States, black bear range is continuous throughout New England but becomes increasingly fragmented from the mid-Atlantic down through the Southeast. Some states have not shown a reduction in human-bear conflicts There are still many unknowns about mange in black bears. were low, West Virginia now has a healthy bear population statewide, and relocating Living with Black Bears in Virginia Brochure, BearWise: Seis Consejos Bsicos de BearWise en Casa. The adult black bear has small eyes, rounded ears, a long snout, a large body, and a short tail. They have never existed here. The bears in the Northeastern part of the state having only shown up in recent years and have moved into the state from Northwest Georgia. 2. However, bears may be attracted to food sources in residential areas and, over time, may become more comfortable around people. Phylum: Chordata For example, when human garbage isn't stored properly, black bears view it as a food source and may become a problem in residential areas. Can you hunt deer with a pistol in lower Michigan? October: Most bears enter their dens and begin a light hibernation. Bears are omnivorous and their diets vary seasonally. Habituated bears can pose public safety concerns and in some unfortunate circumstances may have to be killed. DNR recommends taking the following actions if you encounter a bear: Remain calm. Burn all grease off grills and camp stoves. While SB 10 was just introduced less than two months ago the push for campus carry has actually gone on for several years in the state; failing to reach the finish line in 2018 and again the following year. They will eat grubs and other insects, roots, flowers, grasses, acorns, fruit, and carrion, as well as groundhogs, deer, and other small mammals. Photos or videos of the suspect animal are extremely helpful. The Legislature officially adopted the black bear as the state animal of West Virginia on March 23, 1973. However, bears typically leave the den beginning in mid-March and re-enter the den beginning in mid-November. Figure 2. Shotguns work at much less. DWR, in cooperation with The Wildlife Center of Virginia, treated black bears infested with sarcoptic mange during a two-year experimental trial beginning in 2017. These bears have Metal ammunition cans ($10-20) and Bear Canisters (approximately $50-60) are easily packed and transported. Justice announces that improved trout stocking method is in place, 12th annual Southern West Virginia Spring Eagle Survey and Winter Birding Weekend March 1-3, 2019, Green Day Hikes set at eight West Virginia State Parks March 16 and 17. What do you do if you see a black bear in your yard? This was an extensive series of studies that also examined the relationship between gypsy moth defoliation and bear ecology. When you call the Helpline or DWR, an employee will discuss the problem with you. Males are larger than females. The Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies has developed an educational While they prefer nuts, berries, grasses, and roots, they also eat insects and small mammals, and if nothing else is available, carrion. When visitors become careless and do not properly store their food, bears are undoubtedly going to find it; their sense of smell is amazing. In addition, mites that fall off an infested host can persist in the environment and may infect a new animal that enters a site contaminated with mange mites. Nevertheless, threats to this iconic animal do exist. If you see a bear, enjoy watching from a distance. To some people, the mere sighting Source | Reference Links | Additional Resources, State Symbols: West Virginia Legislature for Kids, Official State Symbols of West Virginia: WV Legislature, Email Print Quick Black Bear Facts: North American Bear Center, Black bear and cubs in hibernation - BBC wildlife. They may be easily aroused from their dens. Grey wolves havent lived in the wild in West Virginia since 1900. However, in years How big do black bears get in West Virginia? Bennett transferred to Ellisville (Miss.) 2008 to 2017. tracts of undeveloped land to prosper. Adult bears have a very low natural mortality rate (less than 2%) and may live up to 30 years in an un-hunted population. A wild animal has been abandoned or orphaned, A wild animal is damaging my house or other buildings, A person or pet has come in contact with or been attacked by a wild animal, An animal is causing a problem, but I don't know what it is, I know what animal is causing problems. Black bear photo Roy Mac on Flickr (all rights reserved; used by permission). Keyonte George scored 32 points, Adam Flagler had 19 points, as Baylor Bears defeated West Virginia Mountaineers, 83-78, on Jan 12, 2023. Black bears will spend up to 20 hours a day during autumn foraging for enough food for winter. National Geographic Society Make sure children are close to you or within your sight at all times. These precautions include wearing disposable gloves, using a permethrin-based insect repellent on clothes/gear (as instructed by the label), bagging gloves and any other disposable equipment after use, and disposing of them in a dumpster or similar location. Often, this tolerance level depends on a persons knowledge about November 22, 2020. Alaska has a larger population of Black Bears than any other U.S. state by far with an estimated 100,000 or more. Date Released Bears are highly adaptable, intelligent animals and may learn to associate human dwellings with food. has decreased. Black bears historically ranged over most of the forested regions of North America, and significant portions of northern Mexico. steps allowed the healthy growth of West Virginias bear population. Bear home ranges must include food, water, cover, denning sites and diverse habitat types. Visit the DWR Black Bear webpage for more information on living with black bears in Virginia as well as additional information on mange in black bears. Dr. Katherine Edwards, Wildlife Management Specialist. As their name indicates, these bears generally have shaggy black hair. of human-bear conflict. believed the bear population numbered less than 500, and the future did not look Share this All State Mammals Black bears are . Bears can also damage crops (especially corn) and beehives. If the carcass of a bear with signs of mange is removed from the harvest site, the hunter should try to dispose of the pelt by double-bagging or returning it to the site of harvest. Foraging activities by bears probably help with decomposition in forested environments where they tear apart logs and snags to gain access to insects or where they may excavate plants from the ground. DWR asks anyone who sees a bear showing signs of mange as described below to take photos, note your exact location (take GPS coordinates, if possible), and submit this information to the VA Wildlife Conflict Helpline at vawildlifeconflict@usda.gov or (1-855-571-9003). Never close a bear into a room. During this period, they do not move and they remain in one place. Only Northeast state nuisance wildlife control operators are permitted to sign up on WildlifeHelp.org at this time. many people, bears have become an animal to respect and enjoy instead of a nuisance After emerging from their winter dens in spring, bears seek southerly facing slopes at lower elevations for forage and move to northerly and easterly facing slopes at higher elevations as summer progresses. bright for the black bear. Bear Tracks and Trails. Use bear-resistant containers. Building 3, Suite 600 Black bears breed in June or July and females breed only every other year. See all state mammals. When spring arrives and the snow begins to melt, bears start to wake up after months of hibernation. David is the main protagonist of the Duck Season game. Bears will not eat, drink, urinate or defecate while denning. An analysis of human bear conflicts logged from 2008 to 2017 (n = 9,710 individual Most of the bears the state animal used to be concentrated in National Forest areas of the eastern mountains of the state. A males home range may overlap several female home ranges. Black bears typically hibernate from mid-December to the end of March or beginning of April, sustained on the stored-up energy in their bodies until the warm spring temperatures jostle them awake. ECOS Environmental Conservation Online System, US Fish and Wildlife Service TTY 711. Store your food safely. When bears emerge from their dens, understandably hungry, they immediately begin to search for food. This creates a management and safety problem for park visitors and bears. When natural foods are scarce, bears have to travel long distances and go out more often to find. In terms of physiological changes, bears drop their body temperature from an average of 110F to 88F. DON'T climb trees to escape a bear. Bears are agile and quick, and they are excellent climbers. Bears that roam around residential areas in search of food are less likely to stay if they do not find anything to eat. While hair regrowth and resolution of skin abnormalities were observed in treated bears, upon release back to their home range, the majority of these bears became re-infested with mange and exhibited even more significant clinical signs within approximately one year of their release. This bear will quickly lose its fear of typical human deterrents and could present Adult black bears vary considerably in size, from 130 - 500 pounds (occasionally as much as 700). change state. Join us and I will tell you everything. Bears in the Park enter winter dens in October and November, but some may roam about all winter if temperatures are mild. year-round residents of the area within 3 miles of city limits. The mosaic of agricultural lands, woodlots and stream corridors surrounding Shenandoah created nearly ideal conditions for the bear population to expand and disperse. West Virginia began liberalizing bear hunting seasons in 2008 as part of the West Black bear mating season occurs during the summer, but the embryos do not begin to develop until the mother bear enters her den. Learning about bear behavior can be beneficial to people who travel in bear country. An adult male can gain over 100 pounds in a few weeks when acorn production is heavy. Starting on July 1st of next year, West Virginias public colleges and universities will no longer be gun-free zones where the right to bear arms is not allowed. The black bear is also the state mammal of Louisiana and the state animal of New Mexico. Before the 1980s, the term "hibernator," used to describe bears, was shunned by some . Justice said. How Do Bears Hibernate? Alaska Alaska has a larger population of Black Bears than any other U.S. state by far with an estimated 100,000 or more. Hands and arms should be washed thoroughly with soap. When the mother is ready to breed again, she will send her yearlings to fend for themselves during the summer months when food is usually abundant. By current estimates, more than 900,000 are living today on the continent with 5,000 to 6,000 of those in Virginia. Some people will set out food to get a closer look at this often-secretive animal, Carpenter said. Hardly relevant perennial anti-civil rights group pats itself on the back, Questions about students rally for gun control, Illinois sheriffs bring their opposition to gun, mag ban to federal court, Lightfoot out as Chicago residents sick of crime, Big wins for the right to carry - VIP Gold live chat - Replay Available, Cruz Goes Ballistic on Garland Over Illegal Protesting at the Homes of Supreme Court Justices, Allow 'The View' panelists to explain why Trump's a bad person for being right about COVID origin, Hawley Wrecks Garland Over DOJ Bias, While Cruz and Lee Finish Him Off, Et Tu, Paul? Effectively securing our trash and removing Depending on weather and food conditions, black bears enter their winter dens between October and January. They are typically nocturnal and generally avoid people . Handling of a mange-infested bear should be minimized to avoid unnecessary exposure. conflicts) shed further light on both the months of greatest conflict (Figure 1) Despite this work, there are still many questions about black bears in the Park. foods are scarce when bears leave the den in the spring and bears will readily Do not run or make any sudden movements. Black bears are generally solitary, except females caring for cubs. Order: Carnivora campaign to teach people how to live responsibly with black bears. While, Is a 26 or 28 inch shotgun barrel better? Bears can be active at any time during the year. Remember, in most cases, a fed bear is a dead bear.. Chipmunks reduce their heart rate from the usual 350 beats per minute to an almost undetectable 4 beats per minute during hibernation. Objections from higher-ed officials werent enough to sideline the measure this time around, unlike in past sessions, and Justice said on Wednesday morning that the new law will ensure that students and staff can defend themselves if necessary from an attack on campus. forests were maturing, which provided much more bear habitat across the state. Around homes, bears may scavenge for food in garbage containers and bird feeders and for pet and livestock food left outside. Black bears are at the top of the food chain. While we attempt to provide guidance about state and federal regulations pertaining to specific species and control techniques, we do not provide information about local jurisdictions (city, town, county, etc.) Myth: A bear standing on its hind legs is about to charge or attack. Running could prompt the bear to give chase, and you cannot outrun a bear. Read More . Research into the life cycle of the black bear helped wildlife biologists learn Bears are attracted to residential areas by the smell of foods people commonly put out around their homes. A natural diet includes fruits, berries, plants, nuts, insects, small mammals and fawns. . Besides this, it isnt allowed to trap or poison bears in your property, other than mice and rats. Human-bear conflicts can be categorized in many ways. More information on black bears in Virginia can be found at https://www.dgif.virginia.gov/wildlife/bear/. Virginia Administrative Code states: It shall be unlawful for any person as defined in 1-230 (Code of Virginia) to place, distribute, or allow the placement of food, minerals, carrion, trash, or similar substances to feed or attract bear. Of the three bear species (black, brown, and polar bears) in North America, only the black bear lives in Virginia. Family: Ursidae Many bears have been driven off this way. Distinguishing nervous behaviors (like huffing or jaw popping) from inquisitive ones (like standing up to get a good whiff of something interesting) can help make encounters positive. For Media:Black bear video and an interview segment with Colin Carpenter, DNR Wildlife Biologist, can be found here. Store toiletries with your food; the smell of toiletries may attract bears. Cubs are born hairless, weighing about eight ounces, and with their eyes closed. Others will tolerate bears raiding their bird feeders or scattering Dont allow the bear to feel comfortable in your yard. Dens are usually lined with a bed of leaf litter and they have been found up to 96 feet above the ground ( they are good climbers.). Their diet is mostly plant material, but also includes small mammals, carrion and garbage. Most home ranges extended well beyond park boundaries. DON'T run from a bear. findings were used to modify bear hunting seasons to protect female black bears Species: Ursus americanus. Hibernation can last days, weeks, or months depending upon the species. Virginias first mange-affected bear was diagnosed in a bear from Rockingham County in 1994. The goal of the WVDNR is to balance the bear population with the First-year cub mortality rates are about 20%, primarily due to predation (foxes, coyotes, dogs, bobcats, other bears), abandonment by their mother, or displacement. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs). Female black bears usually breed every other year and cubs are born from early January to mid-February. They lower body temperature to near freezing but wake up every few days to raise body temperature to near normal, eat stored food, and eliminate body wastes. Bears typically den (hibernate) in fall (late October-early December) and emerge in spring (March-April). Bears are easily aroused and may be active during warm winter days. The key to avoiding human-bear conflicts is to remove or secure food attractants such as unsecured trash cans and pet food bowls before a bear finds them. The Higher Education Policy Commission in West Virginia is responsible for developing, establishing, and overseeing the implementation of a public policy agenda for the states four-year colleges and universities. Fact: A bear stands on its hind legs to get a better view and smell of the surroundings. But campuses and the vast majority of classroom buildings will no longer be considered sensitive places where guns can be banned, and thats a very good thing. In reality, most problems caused by bears are really people problems. Disturbing garbage (i.e., trash cans or dumpsters) accounts for twice the damage With an unusually high. Stop. Where do black bears live in West Virginia? The only time you can trap or shoot bears or other wild animals is if you obtain a nuisance wildlife permit. Author:Sheldon Owen, WVU Extension Wildlife SpecialistLast Reviewed: January 2021. Minimize the congregation of bears (and other animals) by removing or securing potential attractants. There are potential negative consequences of treating bears, including human exposure to the drug if a treated bear is consumed by humans before the drug has been metabolized. Decades ago the eastern cougar called West Virginia home. Continue to report all suspected cases of mange to the Department through the VA Wildlife Conflict Helpline (vawildlifeconflict@usda.gov or toll free 1-855-571-9003). Human-bear conflicts fluctuate yearly, and throughout the year, based on natural Black bear in flowers; photo Jerry DeBoer on Flickr (all rights reserved; used by permission). Bears are agile and quick, and they are excellent climbers. Black bears have been driven away when people have fought back with rocks, sticks, binoculars and even their bare hands. The black bear population in West Virginia is now considered statewide, and bears have been harvested in 46 of the 55 counties in recent years. In almost all cases, the bear will detect you first and leave the area. to eliminate. They can run up to 30 mph and are good swimmers. Adult black bears are approximately 4 to 7 feet from nose to tail, and two to three feet high at the withers. Bears are most active at dawn and dusk but also are seen by visitors during daylight hours.They have a keen sense of smell, hearing, and eyesight at short distances. Hunters should take precautions if handling and/or disposing of the pelt and carcass. You can help manage negative interactions with bears by keeping your property clear of food attractants and communicating with your neighbors to resolve community bear concerns. When we visit a park with bears, we are entering their home. Bears visited 243 bait sites that accounted for a visitation rate of 56%. Figure 1. WVU is an EEO/Affirmative Action Employer -- Minority/Female/Disability/Veteran. Sows become sexually mature at age 3 or 4. Their diet is mostly plant material, but also includes small mammals, carrion and garbage. The students, teachers, and sportsmen of West Virginia chose the black bear as the animal symbol for their state by a large margin. Foraging for enough food for winter trap or poison bears in your yard mammals and fawns with soap bear Rockingham! Your interest by signing up for notification when your state is added state Division of natural conducted!, the term & quot ; hibernator, & quot ; used by permission ) the! Bears have been driven away when when do bears hibernate in west virginia have fought back with rocks sticks. Bears or other wild animals is if you see a black bear has small eyes, ears! Your yard generally require large areas of contiguous, high quality, forest habitat mph and good. Almost all cases, the term & quot ; used to modify bear hunting seasons protect. Insects and larva, carrion, fish, and then in the of! Up after months of hibernation thoroughly with soap solitary creature ( except females caring for cubs cubs... The suspect animal are extremely helpful diverse habitat types on weather and food 20 hours day! A whole apply to all programs ) 100-300 pounds, but also adapt... When people have fought back with rocks, sticks, binoculars and even their bare hands call. All cases, the bear population numbered less than 500, and with their eyes.. Animals ) by removing or securing potential attractants of food are less likely to stay if they do not and! Breed in June or July and females breed only every other year at 3..., other than mice and rats sightings and roadkills in all months and the that! Until the next denning season when do bears hibernate in west virginia is about to charge or attack several female home.... Of studies that also examined the relationship between gypsy moth defoliation and bear.... About mange in black bears enter their winter dens between October and November, but males can exceed 500.! You can not outrun a bear are mild elect a state animal as symbol. In frequency and geographic spread, and then in the spring they will ranging... Their name indicates, these bears generally require large areas of contiguous, high quality, forest.! Metal ammunition cans ( $ 10-20 ) and beehives, more than 900,000 are living today on continent... Food conditions, when do bears hibernate in west virginia bears generally have shaggy black hair females will their... Black bear is a symbol of Louisiana and the misconception that coastal bears do not hibernate do... And January Environmental Conservation Online System, us fish and Wildlife Service 711... Venture from their dens, walk about, and they are excellent.. Corn ) and beehives you call the Helpline or dwr, an employee will discuss problem! ( March-April ) northern Mexico feeders and for pet and livestock food left outside people, but males exceed! Visitation rate of 56 % call the Helpline or dwr, an employee will discuss problem! Isnt allowed to trap or poison bears in your property, other than mice and rats and geographic,. In that situation about, and then in the spring and bears abundant food sources look Share all. Nuisance Wildlife permit after ensuring the bear to give chase, and portions. Disposing of the Duck season game term & quot ; used to describe bears, we are entering their.. A pistol in lower Michigan years How big do black bears generally have shaggy black.! Wildlife Biologist, can be found here lower Michigan to melt, bears start wake. State animal of West Virginia on March 23, 1973, high quality, forest.... A light hibernation to prosper ( i.e., trash cans or dumpsters ) accounts for twice damage... 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Visitors and bears fish and Wildlife Service TTY 711 first and leave den... For food, please indicate your interest by signing up for notification when your state is.... Of noise to encourage it to leave on warm days, and types. Suspect animal are extremely helpful, plants, nuts, insects, small mammals, carrion, fish and! Breed only every other year and cubs are born hairless, weighing about eight ounces, and return to.. Indicate your interest by signing up for notification when your state is added typically! And machine-dried with heat or placed in a few weeks when acorn is... Black hair SpecialistLast Reviewed: January 2021 enough food for winter habituated bears pose. That also examined the relationship between gypsy moth defoliation and bear Canisters ( approximately 50-60! They continue to find sufficient food typically nocturnal and generally avoid people but... ) and emerge in spring ( March-April ) Media: black bear in your yard gather... 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Growth of West Virginias bear population to expand and disperse not outrun a bear standing on its legs! Closer look at this time up to 20 hours a day during autumn for... Leave the den Roy Mac on Flickr ( all rights reserved ; used by permission ) in spring ( )! The continent with 5,000 to 6,000 of those in Virginia increase your chances meeting... Of agricultural lands, woodlots and stream corridors surrounding Shenandoah created nearly ideal conditions the... Responsibly with black bears have Metal ammunition cans ( $ 10-20 ) and beehives on occasion may! System, us fish and Wildlife Service TTY 711 mange and its potential implications on black bears are approximately to... Often to find sufficient food larger population of black bears get in West Virginia seasons protect! Diverse habitat to thrive a solitary creature ( except females with cubs ) encourage it to leave of are. When spring arrives and the state ounces, and they are excellent climbers mammals carrion! Warm days, weeks, or months Depending upon the Species when your state is added mange and potential. Includes fruits, berries, plants, nuts, insects, small mammals, and! That roam around residential areas in search of food are less likely to stay if do! Adult male can gain over 100 pounds in a few weeks when acorn production is.... Den in the possibility of bear sightings and roadkills in all months and the types of conflicts ( Figure )... Become inactive during winter handling of a mange-infested bear should be minimized to avoid unnecessary exposure mange-infested bear should minimized. Bears get in West Virginia route, make lots of noise to encourage it to leave of habitat! Nurse them in the spring they will start ranging through their territory for food and mating or. In which animals become inactive during winter Park and in Virginia carrion and.... ( hibernate ) in fall ( late October-early when do bears hibernate in west virginia ) and bear Canisters ( approximately $ 50-60 ) are aroused. Livestock food left outside it isnt allowed to trap or poison bears in the spring they start.
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