American Black Bear

Rob Ashwell

1. Introduction
   • Introduce the topic of the American black bear
     (show picture and hopefully a skull)

    

2. Main Body
   • What does a bear eat?
     • Show acorns, berries and some trash
   • How does a bear hibernate?
     • Discuss den trees, rock cavities, and tree snags
     • Discuss how bears put on fat through fall and body changes they experience
     • Discuss how bears give birth during hibernation
   • How do bears interact with humans?
     • Discuss nuisance bears and bear hunting
     • Discuss what to do if you ever encounter a bear in the wild
   • Tell about studies on bears and the Cooperative Appalachian Bear Study in particular.
     • Talk about trapping, telemetry and den work
     • Talk about VDGIF
     • Show slides, trapping equipment (maybe some old telemetry equipment)

    

3. Conclusion
   • Ask for questions and if anyone has a bear story

      

     * slides will be incorporated where appropriate.