An Oklahoma State University graduate student spent two summers documenting the black bear population in the Oklahoma Panhandle, decades after the species disappeared from the state.
The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation reported Bailey Kleeberg’s discovery in a recent article.
This is what she discovered.
How many black bears are there in the Oklahoma Panhandle?
The article stated that an estimated 26 black bears live in the panhandle of the Black Hills region of Cimarron County, and genetic testing and roughly equal numbers of males and females indicate that they are “deeply entrenched” in the area.
According to the article, this estimate was arrived at using 160 camera traps within a grid, motion-triggered cameras and surveys of available habitat.
The article states that black bears are lured into camera traps by the scent of skunk, beaver, blueberry or anise oil. When the camera is triggered, it takes three photos in a row.
The article stated that the study also tested 180 hair samples and identified 21 black bears, 12 males and 9 females.
Bears of Southeastern Oklahoma
Black bears are generally thought to live in southeastern Oklahoma, where the population numbers about 1,3,000, according to an Oklahoma State University study.
They hibernate in their dens during the winter, with breeding season occurring in late June and July, according to the wildlife department.
They usually hide in caves, hollow logs, large trees and boulders.
Are black bears dangerous?
Black bears are dangerous wild animals and can become aggressive when threatened. However, the number of fatal bear attacks each year is very low. According to AZ Animals, there is an average of one fatal black bear attack in North America each year, with a total of 16 fatal attacks since 2010.
The National Park Service says black bear attacks are rare and usually occur when the bear is protecting food, cubs or their habitat. Nonetheless, black bears should be avoided and given space and respect.
Bear.org explains that most displays of aggression by black bears are due to nervousness rather than true aggression.
How to identify a black bear
The National Park Service explains that black bears are the most common bear in North America and have black fur, but their fur can also range from gray to cinnamon to white, depending on their location.
Black bears do not have the hump at the shoulders that brown bears and grizzly bears have, and their rear hips are higher than their shoulders, while other bears have lower hips. Most notably, black bears are smaller than other bears. When they stand on all fours, they are 2 to 3.5 feet tall at the shoulder, compared with 3 to 5 feet for brown bears.
Their claws are shorter and more curved, while brown and grizzly bears have longer claws that are less curved.
What to do if you see a black bear
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) provides guidance to follow when encountering a black bear in different situations. Most of the instructions given are to avoid panic and to remain calm and collected. Don’t alarm the black bear.
If you encounter it on a trail or in the woods, speak calmly and make your presence known. Slowly and calmly back away, as far as possible from when you came, while keeping your eyes on the bear. Black bears may escape. If it doesn’t do this and instead comes toward you, do whatever you can to scare it away: yell, raise your arms, and throw things at it.
If you spot a black bear at your campsite, the instructions are similar. Make sure the bear has a route out of the camp. Make noises and throw objects at the bear to scare it away, but do not approach the bear. Do not offer food to a black bear or let it eat.
What to do if attacked by a black bear
If a black bear attacks, you must fight for your life – don’t play dead. The Minnesota DNR requires that bears be kicked, punched or hit with any available weapon. Focus on the face, eyes and nose.
Campers can purchase bear spray to deter bear attacks. The NPS instructs bear spray users on how to successfully use the tool in hazardous situations. Bear spray can be stored in a holster for easy access.
Bear spray can be purchased at stores such as REI Co-op and Home Depot.
This article originally appeared in Oklahoma: Are there bears in Oklahoma?Study shows black bears returning to Panhandle
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