As long as food sources are close to escape cover, forest with undergrowth, bears will exploit a food source. When forestland is too fragmented by clearings and development, bears will not be present. The quality of habitat, and especially food sources, has much to do with the population dynamics of black bears. In Maine, half of newborn cubs die, usually because of starvation. By the time an individual is two years old, its chance of survival is greater than ninety per cent and it may live for thirty years.
Black bears are an intelligent and adaptable species.
We are lucky that they are part of Maine's ecosystem, and I understand the reasons for celebrating bears. These pages are currently being maintained from the Communications Office Office, University of Maine Cooperative Extension. No responsibility is assumed for any problems associated with the use of products or services mentioned in this web site. No endorsement of products or companies is intended, nor is criticism of unnamed products or companies implied.