Kenai Black Bear
http://www.bearconservation.org.uk/kenai-black-bear/
Ursus americanus perniger (Joel Asaph Allen, 1910). N39 54.496 W080 12.432
Distribution
Kenai black bears are found only on the Kenai Peninsula, extending out from the south coast of Alaska USA for approximately 240 km. Separated from the mainland by Cook Inlet on the west and Prince William Sound on the east.
Habitat
The Peninsula contains large expanses of the northern boreal forest, composed predominately of white and black spruce, birch, aspen, and cottonwood trees. Bears are found from sea-level up into the Kenai Mountains (2,139 meters) which are heavily glaciated. The northwest coast along the Cook Inlet is flat, marshy and dotted with numerous small lakes. Several larger lakes extend through the interior of the peninsula and rivers include the Kenai River, famous for its salmon population. The bears spend much of their time above the tree line.
Description
A medium sized black bear, said to be slightly smaller than those located on the mainland across Prince William Sound. Live for around 20 to 25 years in the wild.
Size
The weight of the black bear varies from 125 to 500 pounds, depending greatly on environmental conditions such as climate and food availability. In general, the length of a black bear is five feet long and 35-40 inches tall when on all four feet.
Diet
Whilst black bears are omnivorous the larger part of their diet is made up of plants, nuts and berries together with ants and other insects. In addition, Kenai black bears are adept at preying upon new-born moose calves, readily take carrion when available and feed upon salmon during the spawning period in late summer. Until then the bears spend much of their time above the tree line.
Hibernation
During late summer and early fall, black bears start to eat continuously and may gain as much as 30 pounds while preparing for hibernation. Most black bears will hibernate for between four and seven months, depending on the climate of a region. During hibernation, a bear’s heart rate will drop from 40-70 beats per minute to 8-12 beats per minute, while metabolism slows down by half and body temperature may reduce slightly (3-9 degrees F). During the entire period of hibernation, black bears do not pass urea or solid fecal waste. Most black bears leave their winter dens in April or May, depending on physiological and climatic conditions. Generally adult males emerge first, while females with newborn cubs are usually the last to leave their dens.
Reproduction and Development
Females reach sexual maturity at around three to four years and males a year or so later. Mating takes place during June and July. Females give birth in the winter den, usually to a pair of cubs although larger litters and litters of single cubs have been reported. Cubs will normally be weaned at six to eight months, but will remain with their mother for around seventeen months during which time she will not become pregnant again.
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Please remember you are in Greene County, PA and satellite service is not the best. So, plan accordingly to have a good caching experience.
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