In the Great Smoky Mountains of Tennessee, encountering black bears is a common occurrence. The National Park itself is a habitat for approximately two thousand of these formidable predators, with even more residing in the surrounding area. In a recent video, viewers witness one of Tennessee’s newest and smallest black bears learning the essential skill of navigating swiftly-flowing streams, which will play a crucial role in its survival and food procurement.
Our hearts are gripped with anxiety as we observe this tiny black bear cub attempting to cross a flooded creek bed. The footage captures the young bear tentatively pawing at the water’s edge, searching for a secure foothold. Upon realizing the depth of the creek, a moment of hesitation is visible before the cub gathers its courage and attempts a daring leap to reach a rock on the opposite side. However, the leap falls short, plunging the bear into the frigid river. Desperately clinging to the rocks with its diminutive claws, the cub struggles against the current threatening to sweep it away. After a valiant effort, the bear manages to pull itself out of the water, drenched and exhausted, and makes its way up the opposite bank, perhaps to reunite with its family.
Assurances from the videographer alleviate concerns, confirming that the mother bear was in close proximity and the cub would soon be reunited with her. A collective sigh of relief is exhaled, grateful that the brave cub is not an orphan but simply undergoing the necessary learning process of swimming and traversing streams.
Black bears, the smallest bear species in North America, have a vast range extending from Florida to the Canadian Rockies and Alaska. Despite their name, not all black bears are black, with some populations exhibiting brown or cinnamon hues. In contrast to brown (grizzly) bears or polar bears, black bears share more similarities with Asian bear species. Omnivorous by nature, black bears typically lead solitary lives, with cubs remaining under their mother’s care for around eighteen months before venturing out on their own. They reach sexual maturity between three to five years of age.
For a bear, mastering swimming and water navigation from a young age is crucial. Rivers and streams serve as vital food sources for bears, as they scavenge for carrion and fish. Mothers impart essential fishing skills to their cubs, who learn to congregate around prime fishing locations, exhibiting territorial behaviors. Water bodies also provide bears with opportunities for relaxation and recreation, particularly during hot summer months when they may seek respite in ponds, rivers, streams, or even backyard pools.
Despite the initial trepidation displayed by the cub in the video, it is anticipated that with time and practice, it will come to enjoy its aquatic endeavors. The learning experiences captured in such moments are pivotal for the cub’s growth and survival in the wild.
