Pet owners in black bear habitats often wonder about the safety of their domestic cats. While encounters can be concerning, black bears rarely prey on household pets. Understanding their natural behaviors and diet clarifies the actual risks.
Black Bear Diet and Behavior
Black bears (Ursus americanus) are omnivorous, meaning their diet consists of both plant and animal matter. A significant portion, often 80% to 90%, is plant-based, including grasses, leaves, roots, berries, and nuts. They also consume insects, larvae, fish, and carrion, adapting food choices based on seasonal availability.
These bears are highly adaptable foragers, driven by caloric needs. In fall, they enter hyperphagia, consuming large quantities of high-calorie foods to build fat reserves for winter hibernation. This intense feeding period attracts them to readily available, energy-rich food sources, including those near human dwellings. Their keen sense of smell, seven times greater than a bloodhound’s, allows them to detect food from a significant distance.
The Specific Risk to Domestic Cats
While black bears are opportunistic feeders, preying on domestic cats is not a common behavior. Instances of bears actively hunting cats are rare, as their diet focuses on more accessible natural or human-provided sources. Most interactions involve curiosity or a bear passing through a residential area.
However, certain circumstances increase the risk. A cat left unattended outdoors, particularly during peak bear activity (dawn, dusk, or overnight), may present an easy target. Bears habituated to human food sources from unsecured trash or pet food may lose their wariness, increasing encounters. In rare cases of extreme food scarcity, a starving bear might hunt smaller animals, including cats.
Protecting Your Feline Friends
Protecting domestic cats in black bear habitats involves minimizing attractants and reducing opportunities for encounters. Keep cats indoors, especially during peak bear activity (dawn, dusk, and overnight). Supervise pets when outdoors to prevent interactions.
Securing all potential food sources deters bears. Store pet food indoors or in bear-resistant containers. Keep garbage in secure, lidded cans, placing them out only on collection morning. Remove bird feeders, especially during warmer months when bears are active. Clean grills thoroughly after each use and store them securely to eliminate food odors.
If a black bear is sighted, making loud noises, such as yelling or banging pots and pans, can encourage it to leave. For aggressive bear behavior or immediate threats, contact 911. For non-threatening sightings, local wildlife authorities can provide guidance.