BearWise reports ‘treed’ black bear cub in Sonoita

SONOITA, Ariz. (KGUN) – BearWise, a black bear program, found a small “tree” Friday in Sonoita, Ariz.

It refers to the act of a bear climbing trees to run away.

BearWise says this usually happens when frightened bears are startled.

If people or pets stay away, they will usually descend on their own.

What happens in June?

According to BearWise, June is a busy time for black bears.

Apparently, yearlings (bears around 18 months old) are taking their first steps into adulthood.

Yearling females tend to “move in” next to their mother, while males leave dens in search of “establishing” their own territories, in search of a mate.

What role do humans play?

Bears not only learn to rely on their mother during this time, but they are also influenced by human behavior.

BearWise says that if these yearlings are conditioned to receive food and water from people during this time, they will get used to it, creating a dependency on humans.

That’s why the black bear program says it’s important that people don’t feed the animals.

Where’s the bear food?

BearWise says bears are ready to travel farther for food when all they can find are low-calorie, tender leaves and grasses that bloom in early summer.

And although black bears are primarily omnivores, BearWise explains that they will also eat the following:

• Insects
• Carrion (dead animals)
• Fish
• small mammals
• reptiles
• amphibians

Tips for staying safe around bears: