Appalachia Georgia Friends of the Bears

Fact: Current evidence suggests that menstruation does not increase the likelihood of an attack by a black or grizzly bear, but tampons are recommended over pads. They may be disposed of by burning and then packing out the remains.  Bears are attracted to anything that smells interesting such as toothpaste, deodorant, aftershave, perfume, soap, etc.

FACT:  Black Bears den at different times throughout North America because of three factors: the availability of food, the photoperiod, and temperature.  First and foremost is the availability of food.  Food drives its life and behavior whether it is awake or asleep.  When God’s naturally provided food disappears then their body tells them to go to sleep until spring.

A hard mast failure and human-provided food will cause bears to not go into hibernation.  The failure to get enough food to stored fat forces a starving bear to continue to forage.  Conversely, the availability of man provided food, i.e. trash, wildlife and birdfeeders, and pet food, will keep their bodies from triggering the need to hibernate.

While black bears shuffle along rather slowly when walking, they are able to run at speeds of 25-30 miles per hour.