National Black Bear Day

National Black Bear Day is observed on the first Saturday in June, highlighting the formidable growl and potential danger of these majestic animals. This event carries an important ecological message, emphasizing the need to protect the natural environment from human destruction.

History

Black bears inhabit almost all continents, including North America. The animal is a symbol of strength, as evidenced by folk legends. Humans hunted bears for a long time, using their warm fur to protect against the winter cold, insulate homes, and create clothing and household items. The meat and fat were valued for their nutritional and medicinal properties. The extermination of bears began when animals invaded farms in search of food, killed cattle, and destroyed crops. However, humans were the first to invade the bears’ territory by destroying forests to create suitable living conditions. Black bears are slowly recovering, but their numbers are rapidly declining. This holiday was established in 2018 by the North Carolina Black Bear Festival.

Interesting Facts

This educational event is observed on the first Saturday of June.

1. There are around 800,000 black bears on the North American mainland, according to a 2020 study. Approximately 100,000 of them live in Alaska.
2. Black bears prefer to avoid people and attack only if they feel threatened.
3. If a bear attacks, use bear spray or stand your ground and shout. Do not run away or climb a tree.
4. Black bears dislike the cold of winter and hibernate for up to eight months before emerging in spring.

Black bears feed on plants, fresh fish caught from rivers, or frogs.

How to Take Part

Read informative encyclopedic articles about black bears, or watch popular documentary television programs.

Take a trip to a national park or nature reserve to see the bears. Remember, feeding animals is prohibited for safety reasons. A popular destination in the east is the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Find a special website hosting a live broadcast from a bear’s protected habitat. Watch the bear from the comfort of your home.

Support environmental programs focused on the restoration of forest plantations, which help bear populations recover.

When is National Black Bear Day in 2025?

National Black Bear Day is observed on the first Saturday in June each year.

Observations