Mites can transfer to a new host when an unaffected animal comes into direct physical contact with an infested host. Research efforts are underway to understand these processes. How Does Mange Spread Between Bears?Ĭurrently, there are many unknowns related to the occurrence and spread of mange in bears. Results to date indicate that the most common cause of mange in Virginia bears is Sarcoptes scabiei, which is a mite that burrows into the skin and can only be seen with the assistance of a microscope. DWR is actively working to understand the disease and the mite that is causing this disease in Virginia’s bear population. Mange is a highly contagious skin disease, caused by a mite, which affects many wild and domestic mammals. DWR asks anyone who sees a bear showing signs of mange as described below to take photos, note your exact location (take GPS coordinates, if possible), and submit this information to the VA Wildlife Conflict Helpline at or (1-85). Since 2018, reports have increased in frequency and geographic spread, and mange has been confirmed in 14 counties. From 2014 to 2017 reports were sporadic and primarily focused in the northwestern mountain counties of Frederick and Shenandoah. ![]() Virginia’s first mange-affected bear was diagnosed in a bear from Rockingham County in 1994. Mange and Black Bears Mange in Virginia Bears ![]() The ability to access human related food sources can spell trouble for these bears. Always hungry, these yearling bears, particularly the males, will seek easy sources of food. When the mother is ready to breed again, she will send her yearlings to fend for themselves during the summer months when food is usually abundant. Adult bears do not have natural predators except humans. First-year cub mortality rates are about 20%, primarily due to predation (foxes, coyotes, dogs, bobcats, other bears), abandonment by their mother, or displacement. They are able to leave the den with the adult female in the spring and they disperse during their second spring. Anywhere from 1-4 cubs are born at a time and are raised by their mother for about 1½ years. The cubs are born very nearly hairless and weigh 6-12 ounces (less than a pound!). Female black bears usually breed every other year and cubs are born from early January to mid-February. Breeding occurs from mid-June to mid-July, but in the eastern deciduous forest, mating season can extend into August. Photo by Mike Vaughan, VT.įemale black bears mature as early as three years old. ![]() The heaviest known female weighed 520 pounds from northeastern Minnesota.įive-day old black bear cub. The largest known wild black bear was from North Carolina and weighed 880 pounds. Males commonly weigh between 130 to 500 pounds. The muzzle is brown and there is an occasional white chest blaze.ĭepending on the time of year, adult female black bears commonly weigh between 90 to 250 pounds. In Virginia most black bears are true black in color unlike black bears found in more western states that can be shades of red, brown or blond. Black bears have small eyes, rounded ears, a long snout, large non retractable claws, a large body, a short tail, and shaggy hair. A basic understanding of bear biology and implementing a few preventative measures will go a long way to helping make all encounters with bears positive.Īdult black bears are approximately 4 to 7 feet from nose to tail, and two to three feet high at the withers. ![]() However, bears are found throughout most of the Commonwealth, and encounters between bears and people are increasing. Shy and secretive, the sighting of a bear is a rare treat for most Virginians. Of the three bear species (black, brown, and polar bears) in North America, only the black bear lives in Virginia.
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