Many take extra precautions by putting smelly refuse in their freezer until garbage collection day. Though it is fashionable to build elevated wooden trash sheds, they are by no means a deterrent to a Black Bear. Black Bears can travel hundreds of miles for food at speeds of 30 miles per hour. Males will dominate a piece of land up to 20 square miles and will kill other male intruders. Though primarily vegetarian, they do eat fish, small mammals, birds, and sometimes baby deer or meat of an animal killed by another.
Berries are a favorite delicacy, which they can pluck off the bush with their mouth, one by one.
From June to September, up to 30 bears can be found on a one mile stretch of river. During salmon season, they will forget their territorial boundaries since there is plenty of food for all. They grab the fish with their claws, catching 1 out of 7 tries. Picky eaters, they choose the best portions and leave the rest for the birds. Black Bears can weigh up to 600 pounds.