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5cff8a50-981e-4774-aaa4-8e9ae22f92be < Back Footpad Chewing Again as we hear a yearling suckle, the mother is removing her right rear foot pad to expose the new one that is growing beneath it. Mothers sometimes also help their yearlings remove footpads. Previous Next

fb6eb2b4-3364-45a7-aed4-2d64dd6e28f0 < Back Slide 60 of 83 < > Scattered lone white pines provide different wildlife values than do white pine forests.

01320fbe-1f8a-4a7f-a449-a05239954ca8 Utility Pole Damage Utility "trees" are favorites for marking.

ALL BEAR SPECIES All Bear Species

ADOLESCENT BEARS Understanding Yearling and Adolescent Black Bear Behaviors Black bear yearlings come in all shapes, sizes and personalities, but they all have two things in common, an adolescent brain and limited experience in the world. On top of that, they are naturally a very intelligent and inquisitive animal. In the black bear world, cubs are born while the mom is denned in January. They leave the den in March or April and stay with mom, while learning the about the world until May or June of the next year when family breakup occurs. Family breakup happens suddenly in May or June when mom is nearly ready to mate, triggered by a rise in hormones. Family bonds remain strong right up to the day of family breakup. In the days before family breakup, they play together, groom each other, sleep together, and suckle. Like human youngsters, yearling bears sleep very soundly, trusting their safety to the alertness of their mother. Then, suddenly, mom chases them away. If the yearlings refuse to leave, they are continuously chased off and possibly swiped at by mom, causing minor injuries, til they get the idea that mom no longer wants them around. Family breakup can be traumatic and could possibly be pivotal for how yearlings react to other bears and situations for their entire lives. Black bear yearlings are about 16 months old when they are set free on the world in this way. Just like human adolescents, this population has outliers. Some yearlings are terrified of the world when family breakup occurs and spend the entire first month of their freedom in a tree, coming down only to eat and drink-at a fast run while on the ground. On the other end of the spectrum, you have the yearlings that were ready to leave mom half way through their first summer as cubs-who needs mom, right? Then you have have those in the middle of the fear factor range. Every bear’s personality is different, so each young black bear handles family breakup in their own way, with different degrees of fear, or lack thereof, leading the way. To the black bear yearling, the world is new, scary, exciting and dangerous. There are many things to explore, and unfortunately, they have to make many mistakes to figure out how it works. When you add in having friends in the same “mom-free” situation as you, every day can be full of non-stop playing, eating, sleeping, swimming, and exploring-alone or in small groups. Yearling brothers Doug and Jim begin playing. 2-year-old Ty and yearling Boy join in. Older, bigger Ty manages to wear the younger bears out one by one. All in good fun! My favorite neighborhood tale is when a resident had their clothes on a clothesline. Picture being of “young black bear mind” and never seeing such a sight before. Wouldn’t you want to check it out and play with it to figure out what it is? Well, this resident watched as a group of yearlings decided this was an amazing opportunity to play with those mysterious objects flapping in the breeze. Upon seeing what was being done to her clean laundry, the resident marched out to save it. She grabbed the clothes off the clothesline and walked back to the house with them. This situation ended in a priceless vision of a parade, consisting of a woman followed by several yearlings-who couldn’t understand why their new playthings were being taken away-marching to the house. Young black bears can be mischievous, curious, and get into things and will investigate most things “new” in their world. Put anything you don’t want them to have inside. Keep in mind they are young, playful, mom-free for the first time and they are all figuring out their own way in the world.

PEPPER SPRAY Q&A What is pepper spray? An aerosol product containing capsaicin, a naturally occurring extract of peppers, which, when sprayed in an animal's face, causes only temporary, but extreme discomfort. How do I use it? Keep at the ready - clipped to your belt, in your hand, easily accessible pocket. It won't do any good in the bottom of your backpack or purse. Aim toward the bear’s face, or slightly below. Spray going over the bear’s head will not be effective. (https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/livingwith_wildlife/bears/encounters.html ) Mind the overspray so you don't accidentally spray nearby persons or equipment. Residual spray can act as a bear attractant. What's the difference between pepper spray and bear spray? Both have the active ingredient of capsaicin and related capsaicinoids and can cause temporary blindness, nausea, burning sensations, inability to breathe temporarily and other bothersome symptoms. The EPA regulates bear spray as a pesticide under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) and requires a minimum size of 7.9 oz while pepper spray is typically sold in 1.5 oz canisters. Bear spray is also dispensed more forcefully than pepper spray. Product Type Product Example Product Size Percent Capsaicin Spray Range Bear Spray Counter Assault 8-9 ounces generally 2% 25+ feet Pepper Spray Halt 1.5 ounces 0.35% 10+ feet Pepper Spray Halt II 1.5 ounces 1.00% 10+ feet Don't I need to use bear spray instead of pepper spray? Nearly all close encounters with black bears involve bears seeking food. These bears are only mildly aggressive. The weaker types of pepper spray like Halt and Dog Shield have proven to be plenty potent against black bears seeking food. These products are not EPA-approved for bears, but Ely researchers believe anything more potent is overkill in black bear country. Is pepper spray effective on black bears? Sue Mansfield of the Wildlife Research Institute reports good success discouraging nuisance activity and instilling renewed fear of humans when residents sprayed visiting bears with capsaicin spray which their group provided (pers. comm. July 2006 - The Return of the Black Bear to Eastern Kentucky - page 49 ) Is pepper spray safe to use? Your mail carrier thinks so. The USPS states "The repellent has been accepted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Pesticides Regulation Branch and has been registered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and bears registration No. 7754-1. It has been registered in all states requiring such registration. The significance of these registrations is that they identify the product(s) as effective and safe." (https://about.usps.com/postal-bulletin/2007/html/pb22205/dogkit.3.21.html ) Does pepper spray make bears mad? In all the testing researchers in Ely, Minnesota have done with various brands of pepper spray, no bear has shown the slightest hint of anger. All quietly retreated to deal with the temporary eye irritation. None of the bears made any vocalization, blew, chomped its teeth, extended its upper lip, nor showed any other sign of aggression after being sprayed. (Rogers - Reactions of Free-Ranging Black Bears to Capsaicin Spray Repellent ) Can pepper spray be used as a bear repellent? No. It actually has the opposite effect. It is not meant to be sprayed on yourself or equipment as that can actually attract bears since they like to investigate novel smells. (https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/livingwith_wildlife/bears/encounters.html ). From the results published in Efficacy of Bear Deterrent Spray in Alaska (Smith ) - "We analyzed 11 incidents of spray misuse that resulted in unintended consequences. In 45% (5 of 11) of incidents, persons applied spray to objects they hoped to protect from damage by curious bears; these efforts all failed. In 2 instances (18%), persons applied sprays as a zonal repellent but reported bears inordinately attracted to these locations (i.e., tent and on river bank. In 2 instances (18%), persons reported bears attracted to spray residues following use of bear spray for practice purposes." Aren't I safer carrying a gun? Actually a spray is more effective than a gun. One reason is because it is easier for you to aim the spray, than a gun. Even if you slightly miss the aim, the spray can provide you with increased chances of survival. It encourages human safety but it also helps in bear conservation. (Smith ) It is more effective than a gun: A wounded bear may charge you – a sprayed bear will not. (https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/livingwith_wildlife/bears/encounters.html ) Research has shown that a mortally wounded bear usually lives long enough to seriously injure its attacker. People using guns against bears are more often attacked and more severely injured than those using bear spray to defend themselves and deter the bear. While so-called “bear spray” cannot prevent an encounter with a bear, it is by far the best known method of preventing attack and injury, if an encounter occurs. Bear spray is also nontoxic and will not permanently harm either the bear or the person exposed to it. (https://igbconline.org/be-bear-aware/encounter/#1635196031702-59a40ed2-874e ) Are there any other benefits to carrying pepper spray? The spray works on nearly all mammals and may be useful should you find yourself in a rare, but possible, unsafe wildlife encounter. Obviously it is effective against dogs which may be threatening you or your pet. It can also be used to keep other dogs at a distance if your dog is aggressive/reactive. Where can I buy pepper spray? It is easiest to purchase pepper spray online. Below are some sources (February 2022). Retailer Product Unit Price Price 6+ Price 12+ Product URL Chewy Halt $9.69 https://www.chewy.com/halt-dog-repellent-spray-15-oz-bottle/dp/168707 Amazon Halt $11.50 https://www.amazon.com/Halt-Dog-Repellent-1-5-oz/dp/B000E4Q7BS/ref=cm_wl_huc_item Walmart Halt $10.99 https://www.walmart.com/ip/Halt-Dog-Repellent-Red-62-1-5-oz/133409796 Amazon Halt II $13.84 https://www.amazon.com/Halt-Repellent-Repeller-Protector-Agressive/dp/B00NDMBDB2/ref=sr_1_5?keywords=Halt&qid=1643124768&sr=8-5 Forestry Suppliers Halt II $8.25 $7.95 https://www.forestry-suppliers.com/product_pages/products.php?mi=51530&itemnum=25449 Gemplers Halt II $8.99 https://gemplers.com/products/halt-dog-repellent?variant=31085605355635 Northern Safety & Industrial Halt II $7.44 $7.06 $6.55 https://www.northernsafety.com/Product/177937/Halt-Halt-II-15-oz-1-Capsaicin-Dog-Repellent-Aerosol-Spray-Each

88620b24-56d5-4fad-a953-61710f98a6cc < Back Slide 32 of 83 < > The disease had its worst effects anywhere in the nation right here in northeastern Minnesota where cool, moist summers make white pines especially susceptible because rust spores, to enter the needles, need 48 hours of continuous moisture on the needles at temperatures below 68 degrees. That kind of weather is common in northeastern Minnesota in late summer when the spores are in the air.

a70346d8-b883-4bf4-bbec-67afd27f3507 BLACK BEAR DIET Creamy peavine, Veiny pea Lathyrus ochroleucus, Lathyrus venosus May, June Spring, Summer Creamy peavine and veiny pea are both found in northern Minnesota. Creamy peavine is found in all counties in Minnesota except in the SW. It grows in dry sandy to loamy soils an is an erect twining perennial vine. The leaves of this legume continue to be eaten by bears throughout the summer. Peavine is an important summer vegetation, it is less preferred than berries and hazelnuts, but can sustain bears in years when berries and hazelnuts are scarce.

f28028d4-4752-4383-b9c5-95c72364a4a3 Summers with the Bears: Six Seasons in the North Woods In the animal-loving tradition of James Herriot, this delightful story, now in paperback, explores the relationship between man and one of natures smartest, most interesting, and sensitive creaturesthe black bearand how this experience enriched two peoples lives. Poignant and entertaining, and enhanced by photos that reveal a unique and amazing friendship, Summers with the Bears is a fascinating chronicle of what happens when humans and wild animals cross the boundaries into each others world. Jack Becklund March 3, 1999 192 Pages:

e73c6bd6-754e-49d9-9211-8f712fb06dd7 The Phantom Grizzly What's it like to come eyeball-to-eyeball with a wild bear inside its den? Or to be stalked through moonlit mountains by a grizzly? Find out in this spellbinding memoir by bear expert Stephen F. Stringham. From his first encounter as a toddler to nearly 20,000 more over his career, Stringham has experienced North America's bears as few others have. Now he invites you along on his extraordinary adventures tracking, studying, and sometimes barely escaping these powerful predators. Trek into remote wildernesses to assist groundbreaking bear research. Marvel at mysterious behaviors decoded through painstaking science. Feel your pulse quicken during thrilling mishaps narrowly survived. But most of all, prepare to have your perceptions shaken as Stringham delves deep into the minds of bears, overturning damaging myths and revealing the remarkable intelligence of these animals. The Phantom Grizzly offers an insider's view into the hidden world of bears, brimming with revelatory insights from a lifetime devoted to understanding them. Come face-to-face with bears through the eyes of an expert striving to transform our relationship with nature's most awe-inspiring inhabitants. If you're ready to venture far beyond the ordinary - to glimpse the wonder of bears in a whole new light - then this powerful book is waiting. Stephen F. Stringham February 26, 2025 168 Pages:

Correct: Incorrect: Quiz 0 0 Putting his eggs in one basket proved fruitful for one Virginia man who purchased not one, but 20 winning lottery tickets with the same numbers. Alexandria resident Fekru Hirpo purchased 20 identical tickets, all with the four-digit combination of 2-5-2-7, from a gas station in Arlington, according to a Wednesday news release from the Virginia Lottery. The lucky winner told lottery officials he made a spur-of-the-moment decision to go all in on the same ticket for the “Pick 4” game. Charles Smith won over $200,000 in the Virginia Lottery after joking to his wife about winning. He joked about winning the lottery. Then he won over $200,000 Hirpo said “he doesn’t usually play with so many tickets containing identical numbers, but something just told him to do it,” according to the news release. Each ticket won him a prize of $5,000 for a total of $100,000, according to the release. Hirpo has “no immediate plans” for his winnings, says the lottery. What bear vocalization sounds like a pulsating humming? Cubs nursing Distant pontoon boat motor 1 Wood frog singing null Unanswered Are trash containers accessible to wildlife? Yes No 2 Unanswered True False Question True False 2 null null Unanswered Is there an odor present? Yes No 2 Unanswered Are garbage receptacles always stored inside? Yes No 1 Unanswered Correct Answer will be 3 Option 1 Option 2 3 Option 3 Option 4 Unanswered If inside, in a garage for example, are the doors kept secured? Yes No 1 Unanswered If garbage is stored outside, is it in a secure building? Yes No 1 Unanswered Are the receptacles covered with strong, locking lids? Yes No 1 Unanswered Is garbage placed for pick-up the morning of service? If there is no pick-up service answer 'Yes' Yes No 1 Unanswered Are you using bear-resistant containers for all garbage and recycling? Yes No 1 Unanswered Is corn provided for deer? Yes No 2 Unanswered

d51f1423-ec52-4bc5-97a8-f4e7e8d9b924 When Bears Whisper, Do You Listen? Do bears fascinate you? Would you like to watch them up close and personal without getting mauled or having to kill the bear? One key to safety and cooperation is negotiation which is what this book teaches, based on 10,000+ successful encounters by biologist, viewing guide and "bear whisperer" Stephen Stringham. Stephen Stringham PhD January 1, 2009 238 Pages: