This Is the Most Fearsome Animal in Arkansas- Here Is Why

The black bears in Arkansas are not actively hunting a fight. These animals will do their best to avoid a confrontation. However, if a black bear feels threatened or is protecting their cubs, they will stand and fight. The bear will fight to the death, and they show no mercy during the battle.

People often think of the black bear as a non-threatening species because the bears. Although large animals are much smaller than grizzly or polar bears. Black bears weigh between 200 and 600 pounds depending on their location, gender, and food availability in their habitat.

Black bears are the most fearsome animal in Arkansas because people do not recognize or respect the animal and the power the animal has. Bear attacks in Arkansas are rare. However, the possibility of a bear encounter is growing each year. Black bears should be observed from a distance and should never be encouraged to come close to camps or homes with enticing food.

Black Bears Are Fearsome Animals Because They Are Fast

Speed is one of the things the black bears in Arkansas have going for them. A black bear can reach speeds of up to 30 miles per hour. A man can reach speeds of 20 miles per hour under perfect conditions. However, a man cannot sustain that speed for long. The average person can run three to five miles per hour. The bear can quickly overtake a running man.

Experts recommend that you do not attempt to run in the event of a black bear encounter. Stay calm, step to the side to give the animal room to run past you, and stand your ground. Nine times out of ten, the bear will back away from a confrontation. However, if you run, they will most likely chase you. They can travel 44 feet per second, so standing still is your best option.

Bears Can Climb

The black bears in Arkansas learn to climb trees when they are cubs. If a bear is chasing you, climbing a tree will not save you because they can climb better than you can. The nails on the paws of a black bear are two inches long. They can climb up 100 feet of a tree in 30 seconds.

Climbing trees to search for honey and to relax on the branches is an everyday activity for these animals. When you encounter a black bear climbing a tree, it will not protect you from an impending attack.

Their sharp claws can get a firm grip on the bark of a tree, so they climb quickly even when there are no limbs or stobs to help them go up the trunk. Black bears use their long claws to tear into logs and stumps while searching for food.

Bears Are Strong

Although the black bear is smaller than a grizzly bear, they can still kill humans with one swipe of their massive paws. They can move a 325-pound bolder with a blow from one of those paws. Their swipe force is about 560 pounds, five times a human’s. Black bears in Arkansas are potent animals capable of fatally slashing and biting a human.

The paws of an adult black bear measure 5 to 6 inches. Black bears also have a bite force of 800PSI. Their teeth are 2.5 inches long, and the bear can bite through bone. In a struggle, black bears can tear a human limb from limb.

In the event of a bear attack, authorities advise people to fight back.

• Carry bear spray with you when you are walking in bear country.
• Do not play dead.
• Never run.
• Make as much noise as possible.
• Spread your arms and make yourself look more prominent.
• Slowly step backward, putting more distance between you and the animal.
• Give the bear room to leave.
• If the bear charges at you, fight back using a stick, rock, or any weapon you can find.

The Population Of Black Bears in Arkansas is Large

The population of black bears in Arkansas is increasing due to conservation and animal protection. When the number of bears increases, so does the possibility of a bear and a human coming into contact with each other.

Arkansas was known as the “bear state” in the 1800s because of the dense population of these magnificent animals. Excessive hunting and a degrading habitat caused the population of black bears to be lowered drastically by the 1940s. Serious conservation and reintroduction efforts began in 1958 to prevent the black bear from becoming extinct.

Those conservation efforts have proven to be successful. Today, the population of black bears in Arkansas has increased to roughly one bear every 3.97 miles. Although the population is less significant than in the 1800s, many of these animals inhabit the state. Also, you have to consider that there is less wild forest and habitats for the bears, so human and bear encounters are more likely today than in the 1800s.

FAQs

What time of day do most black bear encounters occur?

Black bears are most active between dusk and dawn. When the temperatures rise during the day, the bears find cool places to bed and rest and forage for food as the sun gets lower.

Can you scare a black bear away by yelling?

Loud noises are a method of frightening black bears. When trying to scare away a black bear, use flashing lights, yell, honk your car horn, or make loud noises with anything you have near you.

What time of year are black bears most aggressive?

July and August are the months that most bear attacks occur. This is because more people are in the woods during the late summer months, and the bears are actively searching for food.