Black bears are present in Mammoth Cave National Park (MCNP). The species found here is the American Black Bear (Ursus americanus). Their presence is a natural re-establishment as the species expands its range, not the result of a reintroduction program. While sightings are relatively infrequent, the population is considered established and transient within the park’s boundaries. Visitors to the park’s surface areas should be aware that they are entering bear habitat.
Re-establishment of the Black Bear Population
Black bears were historically abundant in Kentucky but were largely eradicated from the state by the early 20th century due to habitat loss and unregulated hunting. The American Black Bear is the sole species found in the region. This local decline was a direct consequence of increased agricultural development and urbanization across the state.
The bears’ return is part of a broader re-colonization trend in the Central Appalachians. Beginning in the late 20th and early 21st centuries, bears naturally migrated into Kentucky from established populations near the Kentucky-Tennessee border. Consistent sightings confirm that a mobile population is now utilizing the park’s resources, though they are not densely populated within MCNP.
Bear Activity Areas and Behavior
Black bears primarily utilize the forested surface areas of Mammoth Cave National Park, which offer dense cover and abundant food sources. Their activity is highest during crepuscular hours, meaning they are most active around dawn and dusk. Riparian areas and extensive backcountry regions provide ideal habitat for foraging and travel.
As omnivores, the black bear diet is about 85% plant-based and shifts seasonally. They consume vegetation, berries, and insects in the spring and summer, focusing on high-calorie acorns and nuts in the fall to prepare for winter dormancy. Bears do not typically live deep within the cave system, but they may use natural surface entrances for temporary shelter or denning near the surface.
Visitor Safety Protocols
Visitors must take precautions to avoid attracting bears, as their exceptional sense of smell draws them to human food. Proper food storage is mandatory. All food, garbage, and scented items must be kept in bear-resistant containers or secured away from tents and vehicles, and waste must be promptly disposed of in designated bear-proof receptacles.
When hiking, it is recommended to make noise by talking or singing, especially when moving through dense vegetation or around blind corners. This alerts any bears to your presence.
If you encounter a black bear, remain calm and speak to the bear in a low voice to identify yourself as human. Slowly back away without running. If a bear approaches or stands on its hind legs, it is usually a sign of curiosity rather than aggression. If a black bear makes physical contact and attacks, you should fight back vigorously, using any available object to strike the bear’s face and muzzle.