Not So Sleepy Bears
While the landscape in Western New York is rapidly changing thanks to some lake effect snow, earlier this week the ground was completely uncovered, temperatures were above normal and some normally sleeping wildlife were out foraging on available food resources. These photos were taken by my dad while he and a friend were out on a walk. As you can see, that black shape isn’t a wandering cow in the corn field rather it is an American Black Bear (Ursus americanus) awake from its “hibernation.” According to NYS DEC and the North American Bear Center, the black bear is not a...
Read MoreAmerican Black Bear footprint
I took this photo of an American Black Bear (Ursus americanus) footprint on a recent hike with Elyse and Twan. The prints we found combined with the breaks in vegetation, such as broken branches with freshly wilting leaves, told us that bears were around us and were there very recently. Despite that we never actually set eyes on one that day. There is nothing to fear while outdoors but one should always be mindful whenever we venture into the natural world whether it’s for a tiny tick or a massive mammal.
Read MoreIdentify this scat
I apologize in advance for anyone not intrigued by identifying animal scat but it can be important to know what you are seeing while in the forest. Do you have any idea what species this is from? Take a look at the composition – looks like a lot of berries, huh? It certainly is large. Those two clues should point you to the American Black Bear (Ursus americanus). If you see this in your path stay vigilant while enjoying your day in the woods.
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