Nova Scotia’s extensive forests and rugged coastline create a rich habitat for various wildlife, including the province’s largest terrestrial mammal: the bear. Understanding their presence is the first step toward safe enjoyment of the outdoors. This information details the species found here, their habits, and how people can peacefully share the landscape.
Confirming the Species
The only bear species inhabiting the province is the American Black Bear (Ursus americanus). Although the smallest member of the North American bear family, individuals still reach impressive sizes. Adult males can weigh up to 200 kilograms (440 pounds), while females typically weigh around 120 kilograms (264 pounds).
Despite their name, Black Bears are not uniformly black. Their coloration varies widely due to genetic factors, sometimes appearing as a cinnamon or brown shade. Many individuals in the region also exhibit a distinct tan or lighter-colored muzzle.
Geographic Presence in Nova Scotia
Black Bears are found throughout Nova Scotia, with populations documented in every county. Their distribution is closely tied to the availability of suitable habitat, including large, mixed-wood forests and swampy areas.
While widespread, the bear population is more concentrated in the heavily forested regions, particularly the five south-western counties of the mainland. They are also established on Cape Breton Island, utilizing wilderness areas like the Cape Breton Highlands. Black Bears are adaptable and may be encountered anywhere that offers appropriate cover, even though they prefer remote areas.
Seasonal Behavior and Diet
The Black Bear’s annual life cycle is governed by the seasons, with activity peaking between spring and late fall. As food becomes scarce and temperatures drop, bears enter a period of denning, typically from late fall until early spring. During this time, they rely on fat reserves built up during the warmer months.
Upon emerging in the spring, bears enter a period of intense feeding, or hyperphagia, to replenish energy stores before the next denning period. Their diet is omnivorous, though vegetable matter makes up over 75 percent of their annual food intake. They consume a variety of foods, including roots, grasses, berries, nuts, insects, small mammals, or carrion.
Their incredible sense of smell allows them to detect food sources from over 1.5 kilometers (one mile) away. Young bears, recently separated from their mothers, often cause nuisance sightings as they explore and forage on their own. This strong olfactory ability and constant search for calories make human-related food sources, like garbage, major attractants.
Guidelines for Safe Coexistence
Securing Attractants
Preventing a bear encounter begins with eliminating potential food attractants around homes and campsites. To reduce odors that draw bears to residential areas, follow these guidelines:
- Secure garbage in metal or bear-proof containers and only place it outside on the morning of collection day.
- Remove bird feeders once natural food sources become available in the spring, as seeds are a high-calorie reward for a foraging bear.
- Clean barbecue grills thoroughly after use and store pet food indoors.
- Pick up fallen fruit or berries near a residence promptly, as they can serve as an easy meal.
- Manage compost properly by avoiding meat or fish scraps and turning it frequently.
Encounter Safety
When recreating in bear habitat, making noise while hiking is an effective way to avoid surprising an animal. Talking, singing, or using a whistle alerts bears to human presence, giving them time to move away. If a bear sighting occurs, remain calm and never run, as this may trigger a chase response.
Speak to the bear in a firm, authoritative voice while slowly backing away, ensuring the animal has an escape route. Do not look directly into the bear’s eyes, as this can be interpreted as a challenge. If a bear approaches or attacks, fighting back immediately is recommended, and using bear spray is an effective defensive measure.