Urban black bears becoming couch potatoes, study says

Black bears living in and around urban areas are up to a third less active and weigh up to thirty percent more than bears living in wild areas, according to a recent study by scientists from the Bronx Zoo-based Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS).

The study, published in the latest issue of the Journal of Zoology says that black bears are spending less time hunting for natural food, which can consist of everything from berries up to adult deer. Instead, they are choosing to forage in dumpsters behind fast-food restaurants, shopping centers, and suburban homes, often eating their fill in far less time than it would take to forage or hunt prey.

“Black bears in urban areas are putting on weight and doing less strenuous activities,” said WCS biologist Dr. Jon Beckmann, the lead author of the study. “They’re hitting the local dumpster for dinner, then calling it a day.”

In addition, the authors say that urban black bears are becoming more nocturnal due to increased human activities, which bears tend to avoid. Bears are also spending less time denning than those populations living in wild areas, which the authors say is linked to garbage as a readily available food source.

The authors suggest that as humans continue to expand into wild areas, and as bears colonize urbanized regions, people must be educated to reduce potential conflicts. Local ordinances should be passed mandating bear-proof garbage containers for homes and businesses. “Black bears and people can live side-by-side, as long as bears don’t become dependent on hand-outs and garbage for food,” Beckmann said. “Lawmakers should take a proactive stance to ensure that these important wild animals remain part of the landscape.”

COPIES OF THE STUDY ARE AVAILABLE THROUGH WCS’S CONSERVATION COMMUNICATIONS OFFICE (1-718-220-3682)

CONTACT: Stephen Sautner (718-220-3682; ssautner@wcs.org)
John Delaney (718-220-3275; jdelaney@wcs.org)