They also have keen hearing. But their sense of smell is their keenest sense. Some people think black bears are unpredictable and dangerous. The truth is that people have little to fear from black bears. These bears are wary of humans.
Black bears have a lumbering walk, but they can run much faster than people.
Some people have the mistaken idea that when a bear charges, it's time to shoot. Dr. Lynn Rogers has studied black bears for many years. He says black bear charges are pure bluff. Hold your ground, or better yet,make noise and wave your arms, and the bear will go back to its business. Female black bears normally mature at 3 to 5 years of age.