Black Bears
Ursus americanus vancouveri • Vancouver Island Subspecies
Black Bears are common on Vancouver Island and are frequently seen foraging along the shorelines around Telegraph Cove. The Vancouver Island subspecies is generally slightly larger and darker than mainland black bears, and they've developed unique behaviors adapted to their island environment.
Vancouver Island Subspecies
The Vancouver Island black bear (U. a. vancouveri) is one of 16 subspecies of American black bear. They tend to be larger than mainland bears, with males averaging 70-140 kg and females 40-80 kg.
Despite their name, black bears on Vancouver Island can be black, brown, cinnamon, or even blonde in color. However, the island population tends toward darker colorations, with most being jet black.
The absence of grizzly bears on Vancouver Island means black bears fill a broader ecological niche, often venturing into more open habitats than their mainland cousins.
Diet & Adaptability
Black bears are highly adaptable omnivores with a diet that changes seasonally. About 85% of their diet consists of vegetation, including grasses, herbs, berries, and nuts.
In spring and early summer, they're often seen on beaches at low tide, turning over rocks to look for crabs, barnacles, and other intertidal life. This protein-rich food helps them recover from winter dormancy.
During salmon runs, they become skilled fishers, though they're generally less efficient than grizzlies. They often feed on spawned-out salmon carcasses along streams and beaches.
Behavior
Swimming & Island Hopping
Black bears are excellent swimmers and frequently travel between islands in search of food. They've been observed swimming distances of several kilometers between islands in the archipelago.
Their swimming ability allows them to access seasonal food sources on different islands and helps them avoid competition with other bears.
Daily Activity
They're typically crepuscular (most active at dawn and dusk) but can be active at any time. In areas with high human activity, they often become more nocturnal.
Black bears are generally solitary except during mating season (June-July) or when abundant food sources like salmon runs bring multiple bears together.
Seasonal Behavior
Spring & Summer
Emerge from dens in April-May, initially feeding on grasses and sedges in avalanche chutes and wetlands. Beach foraging for marine invertebrates provides crucial protein.
Summer brings abundant berries - salmonberries, huckleberries, and blackberries form the bulk of their diet. They can consume up to 30,000 berries per day.
Fall & Winter
Fall is critical for building fat reserves. They enter hyperphagia, consuming up to 20,000 calories daily. Salmon runs provide high-calorie food.
Enter dens by November-December for winter dormancy (not true hibernation). Heart rate and breathing slow, but they can wake if disturbed.
Physical Characteristics
Excellent sense of smell, 7 times better than a bloodhound
Can run up to 50-55 km/h despite their bulk
Strong curved claws for climbing trees and digging
Color vision similar to humans helps identify ripe berries
42 teeth including large canines and grinding molars
Thick fur coat with dense underfur for insulation
Fascinating Facts
They can live 20-25 years in the wild, with females typically living longer.
Cubs stay with their mother for 16-17 months, learning essential survival skills.
They can climb trees throughout their lives, unlike grizzlies who lose this ability.
Vancouver Island has one of the highest densities of black bears in the world.
They have excellent memories and can remember food locations for years.
Bears are important seed dispersers, spreading berry seeds throughout the forest.
Bear Safety & Viewing Guidelines
When encountering black bears:
- •Never feed bears or leave food accessible - a fed bear is a dead bear
- •Make noise while hiking to avoid surprising bears
- •If you see a bear, give it space (at least 100 meters)
- •Never run from a bear - back away slowly while facing the bear
- •If attacked, do not play dead with black bears - fight back
Bears that become habituated to human food often must be destroyed. Proper food storage and waste management are crucial for bear conservation.
Best Viewing Times
May through October
Most active during early morning and evening. Look for them on beaches during low tide in spring, and along salmon streams in fall. Always observe from a safe distance.