3 Things I Was Shocked to Learn About Black Bears in Maine

For as long as I could remember, I've always had this terrifying fear of black bears both when I grew up in New Jersey and Maine.

Before I explain everything else, can you imagine how terrified I was when both of my dogs ran after an animal that looked like a black bear at my house? Watch this:

I've always heard the term "they're more afraid of you than you are of them" yet could never full-heartedly could believe it.

Also Read: My Most Terrifying Encounter I've Had With Maine Wildlife

It's true though, along with these other 3 interesting facts I learned while I was doom scrolling on Google.

Black bear hibernation

Black bears don't actually "hibernate". My entire life feels like a lie here because according to the experts at newengland.com, their winter routine isn't as simple as falling asleep for 5 months then waking up to summer.

"Bears are not true hibernators, but instead enter torpor, a state of dormancy during which their body temperature and metabolic rate drop. They don’t eat, drink, or excrete waste and are more easily awakened than true hibernators".

Black bear cubs

This one feels more wild than it actually is, but newengland experts claim bear cubs are born with blind blue eyes until their first summer alive. They're also hairless and I would do anything to witness a blue eyed hairless cub in person.

Black Bear Survival Rate

As an animal lover im trying not to get emotional over this fact but nearly 50 percent of cubs don't survive their first year due to starvation. Yellowstonebearworld also says they birth about 2-3 cubs at a time and weigh about half a pound.

I'll leave you with the same thing we started with. Black bears are more afraid of you than you are of them so if you see one while you're hiking in New England, try to remember not to panic. Which I get it, in turn makes you panic, but you got this!