They are called Black Bears, but they can be brown, blonde or even white, although such coloring is extremely rare. They are the most commonly seen bears on the North American continent.

Males typically range between 125 and 500 pounds, although a bear weighing 902 pounds was recorded in New Brunswick. Females run between 90 and 300 pounds. A 502 lb. female was recorded in Orr, Minnesota in 1993.

While they are classified as Carnivores and can catch nesting birds, penned livestock or spawning fish, their diet is mostly vegetarian. They possess an uncanny sense of smell which serves them not only as an early warning system - their nose usually tells them when humans are near - but also as a food locator for fruit, nuts, plants, flowers, buds and insect larvae. They do have color vision, probably the reason they forage for fruit in daylight. (Look, red berries!)

After a gestation period of 7 months, cubs are usually born in January. At birth the wee ones weigh less than a pound and have only a light covering of fur. By the time they leave the den at 2-3 months old, they can weigh 4 to 10 pounds.

It is not uncommon around the Red River area to see a bear ambling through the trees or foraging by a stream. Such an experience is the stuff of lifetime memories.

Bears are highly intelligent and quick learners. Since they adapt their lifestyles to the availability of food, they’re frequent visitors at campgrounds and, unfortunately, garbage dumpsters.

Bears are wild creatures and should be respected as such: keep your distance for your safety, as well as the bear’s well-being. Strong, powerful and agile, they can easily injure humans. A cuff or a simple swat can cause great harm.

Leave the bears alone, especially cubs. Where a cub is found, a mother is usually close at hand. Leave their babies alone.

If you are camping, avoid sites where bear tracks or scat are evident. Do not store food in a tent or even outside the tent in locked coolers, for metal and plastic boxes are no match for a hungry bear.

For more information on bears, stop by the Questa District Ranger Station, located in the Red River Canyon near Questa. They have much literature that can help make your stay in the Kit Carson Forest safer and more enjoyable.