Kootenay the Black Bear |
Share Kootenay the Black Bear's Story
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Born: |
Spring 2002 |
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Male |
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Kootenay was acquired July 1, 2002. Kootenay was living with a family in Kootenay B.C. The family thought he was orphaned so they hand raised him. After attempts to rehabilitate Kootenay back to the wild he was deemed un-releasable, being imprinted by people. Having this friendly bear in the wild is a risk to both Kootenay and people. Kootenay will stay here at The Muskoka Wildlife Centre for the rest of his days helping us educate the public about black bears. |
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Black Bear (Ursus americanus) |
| Average Size: |
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Average Weight: |
| Male 140 - 200cm (4.5- 5.9 feet), female 120 - 160 cm (3.9 - 4.9 feet). |
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Male 113 - 270 kg (249 - 595 lbs), female 92 - 204 kg (203 - 449 lbs). |
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| Average Lifespan: |
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Range: |
| Potential of 25-30 years in the wild but usually less than 10. Up to 30 years in captivity. |
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Widely spread throughout Ontario. |
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Dining and Dwelling |
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Life and Death |
| The most omnivorous species of all bears, the black bear's diet is mainly vegetarian, feeding on buds, berries, switching to roots and nuts in the fall. In fact 3/4 of their diet is made up of vegetable matter. The other 1/4 is made up of carrion, insects, grubs, and worms. The black bear also hunts mice, small birds, and fish. Found in both deciduous and coniferous forest, from the Tundra to Mexico as long as there is natural forest for habitat. Den's are often made out of a hollow tree, a shallow cave or an excavation. |
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In January the mother bear gives birth to 1-5 cubs during the dormant state, but the average number of cubs is 2. The cubs will spend the next two years with her. Black bears have few natural enemies besides humans. An old or injured bear might be attacked by wolves. |
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That's Amazing |
- More than 90% of black bear deaths over the age of 18 months are from gunshots, trapping, motor vehicle accidents, or other human involvement. This is why they usually only live to be about 10 years of age when they have the potential to live up to 30 years in the wild.
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