|
FWS plan puts grizzlies under the Gun! David J. Ellenberger,,Media and Outreach Coordinator, "Protecting wild grizzlies in the lower-48, for our families, for
our future." Fight Grizzly Delisting: |
Why is Grizzly is a Threatened Species? |
Print and color these pictures of the Grizzly |
|
Common Errors & Myths Found in Bear Literature
TAXONOMY
BEAR SPECIES: There are 8 bear species. The Giant Panda IS a bear, NOT a raccoon. The
8 species are: Brown Bear (Grizzly, Alaskan, Brown, European, Kodiak), Black Bear, Polar Bear, Spectacled Bear,
Sloth Bear, Asiatic Black Bear, Giant Panda, Sun Bear.
PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS
TREE CLIMBING: The polar bear and adult brown bears (grizzlies) cannot climb trees.
The other six species can.(In a pinch adult grizzlies may use their teeth and legs/paws to climb trees - e.g. to
haul somebody out!). FOOD HABITS
BEARS ARE CARNIVOROUS: False. Ninety percent (population specific) of the bear's diet
contains vegetable matter. (It is true that bears are classed as carnivores, but they are omnivorous (mixed diet)
in their feeding habits.) BEHAVIOR
DENNING: Bears do not den in large caves because they are too wet and cold. Black bears
and grizzlies may den in rock cavities near the ground surface. (There are constant references to caves in much
of the literature). Statements 4, 5, 7, 10, and 11 are taken from THE BEAR FACTS, Yukon
Wildlife Branch, Dispelling the Myths. Take a quiz, work a puzzle and learn about the Grizzly The Bear Den
Canku Ota is a copyright of Vicki Lockard and Paul Barry.
EYESIGHT: Bear's eyesight is poorer than human's, but not "poor". Their hearing and sense of smell are
excellent!
BEARS CAN'T RUN DOWNHILL: False. Bears are agile and can run downhill easily and quickly.
BEARS ARE BIG AND SLOW: False. Bears are extremely agile and can run at high speeds over short distances (From
standing still, they can run 10 m./sec.)
HIBERNATION: Bear's body temperature does not drop dramatically as other hibernating animals and therefore are
not true hibernators. Heart rate drops 8 - 11 beats from 98 per minute. With true hibernators, both body temperature
and heart rate drop significantly.
FOOD SELECTION: Bears do NOT eat ANYTHING! They eat high protein, high energy, high fat, low fiber. Bears are very
selective - very similar to people. (No secondary digestive structure like a deer, or even something akin to rabbits
and horses. Bears cannot digest coarse forage)
GARBAGE BEARS ARE TAME: False. Garbage or spoiled bears pose the most hazardous threat to public safety.
BLACK BEARS AREN'T DANGEROUS: False. Black bears are as wild and unpredictable as any other member of the bear
family.
BEARS STAND UP ON THEIR HIND LEGS TO GET A BETTER VIEW: Not quite right - bears do this to get a better scent.
BEARS HAVE TERRITORIES: False. Bears have HOME RANGES which can and do overlap. (By definition territories are
exclusive.)
BEAR MARKING ON TREES IS TERRITORIAL BEHAVIOR: False. Bears mark trees to signal each other, but not to express
territoriality.
BEARS ARE FEROCIOUS PREDATORS: False. Bears are predatory, particularly on young calves, fawns and salmon, but
are normally afraid of humans and will not attack without provocation.
Grizzlies in the Wild
http://www.grizzlydiscoveryctr.com/page4.html
Grizzly Education
http://www.nba.com/grizzlies/grizz_ed_index.html
http://www.nature-net.com/bears/
Canku Ota is a free Newsletter celebrating Native America, its traditions and accomplishments .
We do not provide subscriber or visitor names to anyone. Some articles presented in Canku Ota may contain copyright
material. We have received appropriate permissions for republishing any articles. Material appearing here is distributed
without profit or monetary gain to those who have expressed an interest. This is in accordance with Title 17 U.S.C.
section 107.