Relevance of Topic:

With as many black bears as we now have in Pennsylvania, chances are that one or more of your students will come in contact with one sooner or later. It is important that humans understand the natural history of the black bear, in order for us to coexist with minimal conflict.

Because bears are naturally of interest to students, they are a good choice when teaching about the adaptations, habitat, niche, and limiting factors of a wildlife species.

Environment & Ecology Standards Reference:

Grade 7 Grade 10

4.2.7 A2

4.6.7 A2, 5 4.6.10 A4, 7, 11, 13

4.7.7 A2; B4, 5, 6; C1, 2, 3, 4, 8 4.7.10 A1, 2, 3; B1, 2; C1, 2

4.8.7 D3

Key Vocabulary:

omnivore, survival needs, limiting factors, habitat, shelter, cover, management

Suggested Sequence for Use of Video & Teacher’s Guide Materials:

• show video clip of newborn black bear cubs and continue through their first year

• facilitate Project WILD activity "Bearly Born"

• have students read Pennsylvania Game Commission’s wildlife notes on the black bear; have students make note of information on food habits

• show video clip which covers food habits of black bears; compare information from video with information from wildlife notes

• facilitate Project WILD activity "How Many Bears Can Live in This Forest?"

• show video clip on human/bear conflicts

Discussion Questions:

Bear numbers have increased in Pennsylvania, while populations of some other species have decreased dramatically. What factors contribute to the population growth of a wildlife species? Aside from a large population, what are some of the reasons that human/bear conflicts occur? Can you suggest some possible solutions?