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BLACK BEAR DIET

Water Parsnip

Sium suave

Occasionally Eaten

A highly evasive non-native plant imported from Europe and Asia and it is considered a noxious weed. The plant causes phytophotodermatitis when skin comes into contact with the plant. It is most commonly found along roads and rail rights-of-way, also on disturbed sites including trails, natural areas pastures, forests and field margins, unmaintained gravel pits. It can tolerate dry mesic or wet soils, but does not grow in shaded areas. Black bears occasionally eat the fleshy roots of water parsnip. It is not a preferred food.

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