Widespread Drought Spells Trouble For Baby Bears

Shocked by the prices you’re seeing at the grocery store? Widespread drought is causing the prices of common foods like corn, soy beans, and beef to shoot through the roof. Many families are struggling to keep bellies full despite browning plants and cracking ground, and not all of them are human.

DiscoveryNews recently reported that the drought is making it tough for young bears to fatten up for the winter, a problem that could lead to fewer bears being born next Spring.

Adult black bears are in little danger of starving during their long winter nap, according to Dave Garshelis of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and co-chair of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature’s Bear Specialist Group (IUCN BSG). Bears are opportunistic survivors and can eke a living out of a parched landscape, but future generations of bears may be set back by a drought.

During hibernation, bears can go 100 days or more without eating. In order to survive, they spend the summer and autumn months eating everything they can get their paws on, from fish to berries. Unfortunately, 2012′s scorching temperatures have dried up many of the rivers, streams, and meadows many bears use as their personal all-you-can-eat buffet. As a result, mother bears may have a harder time reproducing. Even if cubs are born, a malnourished mother may not be able to produce high quality milk, putting the health of her cub in jeopardy.

Researchers say humans should be extra cautious in outdoor habitats where bears may be present. A shortage of food could mean more bears roaming around near human settlements, and they’re likely to be in a foul mood.

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Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

James H.

5:18PM PDT on Oct 8, 2012

thanks for the article!!!

http://www.thepetitionsite.com/927/641/970/help-replant-our-forests-part-7/
http://www.thepetitionsite.com/632/816/831/help-offset-our-carbon-footprint-part-5/

October 8
send a green star

Mark D.

5:09PM PDT on Sep 3, 2012

this is not natures "drought".. humans are directly responsible for this tragedy with their burning of fossil fuels. humans are a planetary disease.

September 3
send a green star

Claudia C.

7:46AM PDT on Aug 31, 2012

I didn't know about this consequence on the poor bears. I'm very worried about

August 31
send a green star

Danuta W.

1:21AM PDT on Aug 29, 2012

Thanks for the information.

August 29
send a green star

Jane R.

1:59PM PDT on Aug 28, 2012

Lets all pray that the drought doesn't continue into next year. Bears aren't the only animals suffering. All animals in the wild are hurting. If it keeps up farmers won't be able to produce enough crops and we will all be in bad shape. Food prices will be unafordable for some.