Interesting facts about black bears
		by BUDDY AMATO
		Last week I shared with you that the American black bear occurs throughout much of North America, ranging from the Atlantic to Pacific, and from Alaska to Mexico. I also noted that the black bear population has been decreasing rapidly, from the 2 million+ that lived in North America before large areas of woodland were developed. There are approximately 600,000 black bears living today. In New Jersey, however, there has been an increase in the black bear population as a result of the protection provided by "Game Animal" status and forest maturation programs. Forest maturation programs provide improved habitat because bears like thick undergrowth. I also noted that the official estimate is that there are close to 2,000 bears in New Jersey. Because developers are constantly taking away forest and bear populations are constantly growing, bear-human conflicts are going to increase. I hope you have visited the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife Website . This site has lots of useful information on how to keep your property bear-safe, and steps you can take NOT to attract bears into your back yard. The division's home page is http://www.state.nj.us/dep/, and offers up-to-date information on land and open space, beach water quality and much much more. Did you know that.. In August 2004, several news media outlets reported that a wild black bear was found passed out after drinking about 36 cans of beer in Baker Lake, Washington? The bear had opened a camper's cooler and used its claws and teeth to puncture to the cans. It was found the bear selectively opened cans of Rainier Beer and left all the Busch beer unconsumed. The largest Black Bear on record was in Wisconsin in 1885? The reported weight was 802 pounds. Winnie the Pooh was inspired by an orphaned black bear cub from the Canadian city of Winnipeg? During World War I, the bear was adopted by Lieutenant Harry Colebourn, a member of the Royal Winnipeg Rifles of the Canadian Infantry. It later became the mascot for the company. Grandmaster Buddy Amato operates Amato's Karate and Weapons Academy, 589 Palmer Avenue, West Keansburg and is the author of Buddys Animal Kingdom. For more information, call (732) 671-9555. Return to top More Columns Copyright Buddy Amato Amato's Goju-ryu Karate, Nunchaku, Bo-staff, Aikido, Sword, Kendo, Sais, Kick-boxing, Tai-Chi and more 589 Palmer Ave, Keansburg and is the author of Buddys Animal Kingdom, NJ 07734 (732) 671-9555