Threats

Non-Native Species: The European wild hog is one of the most direct threats to the black bear. These pervasive intruders feed on the acorns and other mast that is a mainstay in the bear’s diet. Another exotic species, the gypsy moth, is headed southward. This insect defoliates oak trees, weakening them. Not only could the bear’s food source of acorns be affected, but some of the prime denning spots in old growth trees may be lost.
 * Threats to Bears**

Poaching: Unfortunately, the lure of high profits on international markets encourages the poaching of black bears. Several cultures believe that bear gall bladders, paws, and claws have medicinal powers or consider them gourmet delicacies.

Urban Encroachment: Community and private developments near park boundaries are causing a loss in habitat for the bears. Poaching activities can be somewhat curtailed, and bear populations can eventually rebound from the losses. But once the critical habitats are destroyed, major declines in bear populations are inevitable. In addition, bears that venture outside park boundaries into neighboring communities may encounter human food and become unpredictable and dangerous "nuisance" bears.

Heres a website that sells black bear hides, and wall mounts. They are pricey, so it is easy to see why people will illegaly hunt these animals. [] Also, heres a website that shows how much black bear meat is sold for...its also pricey. []


 * Black bears compete with [|**//Ursus arctos// - Brown bear**] where their ranges overlap. Interactions with wolves depend on numbers: lone wolves flee from black bears, and may be killed by a bear, but a pack may attack and even kill the bear. Black bears generally avoid humans and encounters which do occur usually are non-aggressive; even if the bear threatens it rarely carries through on a charge. Black bears may be important seed dispersers for some plants.
 * Not many species prey on black bears. Young or small bears may be killed by bobcats, brown bears, coyotes, wolves and black bears. There are rare reports of adult females killed by wolf packs or by adult male black bears, and of adult male black bears killed by [|**//Ursus arctos// - Brown bear**]. ( [] )