The black bear typifies the spirit of all West Virginians in their ability to survive in spite of the adversity of people and industry encroaching upon their natural habitat, according to the text of the proclamation naming the shaggy omnivore the state animal.
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When did the black bear become WV state animal?
The Black Bear was selected as West Virginia’s official State Animal by a poll of students, teachers and sportsmen conducted by the Division of Natural Resources in 1954-1955. It was officially adopted by the Legislature during the 1973 Regular Session with the approval of House Concurrent Resolution 6.
What state has the black bear as the state animal?
Alabama
State mammals
| State | Mammal | Other mammal 1 |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | American black bear (2006) | |
| Alaska | Moose (land mammal) (1998) | |
| Arizona | Ring-tailed cat (1986) | |
| Arkansas | White-tailed deer (1993) |
Is there any bear in West Virginia?
For many people, bears have become an animal to respect and enjoy instead of a nuisance to eliminate. The black bear population in West Virginia is now considered statewide, and bears have been harvested in 46 of the 55 counties in recent years.
What state has the largest black bear population?
state of California
In the state of California, there are an estimated 25,000-35,000 American black bears, making it the largest population of the species in the contiguous United States.
How many black bears are in West Virginia?
In the United States there are estimated to be over 300,000 black bears and approximately 8,000 individuals bears in West Virginia. If you are lucky enough to see a bear in West Virginia, remember that West Virginia bears are wild. Please do not approach them and never give them food.
Does Virginia have black bears?
Of the three bear species (black, brown, and polar bears) in North America, only the black bear lives in Virginia. Shy and secretive, the sighting of a bear is a rare treat for most Virginians. However, bears are found throughout most of the Commonwealth, and encounters between bears and people are increasing.
Where are black bears in West Virginia?
the West Virginia Wildlife Center
Run by the West Virginia Department of Natural Resources, the West Virginia Wildlife Center is home to many species of wild animals native to the state. The center is a modern zoo-like facility, where animals such as black bears, coyotes, deer, and owls live in spacious enclosures.
What is North Dakota State animal?
Western meadowlarks
The Official Animal of North Dakota
Western meadowlarks live in many western states, including Texas and Wisconsin. North Dakota also has an honorary state equine, which is the Nokota horse.
What is Pennsylvania’s state animal?
White-tailed Deer
State Animal: White-tailed Deer
Native Americans and settlers alike relied on the white-tailed deer for food and clothing. The white-tailed deer continues to flourish in forests across Pennsylvania.
Are grizzly bears in WV?
The American black bear is the only bear known to inhabit West Virginia, and they are not regarded as aggressive in comparison to the distantly related polar bears and grizzly bears.
Are black bears aggressive?
In most cases, black bears are relatively shy, only acting aggressively as a last resort. Nevertheless, the most effective way to avoid a bear attack is by preventing encounters in the first place. Just because black bears can be less dangerous than other large carnivores doesn’t mean fatal attacks don’t happen.
What is the WV state reptile?
timber rattlesnake
Designating the timber rattlesnake as West Virginia’s state reptile.
Will black bears eat you?
Black bear attacks on humans are rare but often begin as scuffles with dogs, experts say.Predatory attacks on humans by black bears are extremely rare, but experts are offering insight as to how some of them may start after a woman was killed in Canada by a black bear while searching for her dogs.
Can you fight a black bear?
Black Bears: If you are attacked by a black bear, DO NOT PLAY DEAD. Try to escape to a secure place such as a car or building. If escape is not possible, try to fight back using any object available. Concentrate your kicks and blows on the bear’s face and muzzle.
Do black bears eat deer?
Their diet includes roots, berries, meat, fish, insects, larvae, grass, and other succulent plants. They are able to kill adult deer and other hoofed wildlife but most commonly are only able to kill deer, elk, moose, and other hoofed animals when the prey are very young.
Does West Virginia have mountain lions?
“The last cougar that existed here in West Virginia was eliminated decades ago. The mountain lion no longer exists here in West Virginia at least in a naturally reproducing state.” That said, however, Johansen adds that when he hears the occasional story about a sighting in West Virginia he doesn’t doubt them.
Are there wolves in West Virginia?
Species of Mammals
Of the 74 species in West Virginia, 67 are native and seven are non-native. Currently, three formerly occurring species of mammal no longer exist in West Virginia: the bison, mountain lion, and gray wolf.
What to do if you see a black bear?
Stand and face the bear directly. Never run away from or approach him. Make yourself look as big as possible by spreading your arms or, better yet, a coat. Make as much noise as possible by yelling, banging pots and pans or using other noisemaking devices.
How many black bears are there in Virginia?
Better management and changing ecological conditions have resulted in increases in black bear numbers throughout their geographic range. By current estimates, more than 900,000 are living today on the continent with 5,000 to 6,000 of those in Virginia.
How can you tell if a black bear is near you?
Black Bear Sign
- Bear Tracks and Trails. Bears walk on the soles of their soft feet, so they often do not leave distinct tracks unless they walk through soft mud or snow.
- Scat / Droppings.
- Marking Trees and Poles.
- Straddle Trees and Bushes.
- Feeding Sign.
- Summer Beds.
- Winter Dens.
