[Jacksmom052709]

Some info on Black Bears:

Some people have the mistaken idea that when a bear charges, it's time to shoot. Dr. Lynn Rogers has studied black bears for many years. He says black bear charges are pure bluff. "Hold your ground, or better yet,make noise and wave your arms, and the bear will go back to its business. But NEVER challenge a bear that's cornered," says Dr. Rogers.

"Although black bears very seldom attack people, they are still feared and hated by some people. Black bears are protected by laws, but are hunted for sport in some states. (You need a hunting license for them - much like hunting deer.) Other bears are poached, often to supply parts to the Asian folk medicine trade. But the greatest threat to black bears is habitat loss as people continue to multiply and invade its territory. (And this is why you have a bear in your yard eating your birdseed.)

Probably the most famous black bear lived in Louisiana. It was a black bear cub that big game hunter Theodore Roosevelt (a U.S. President) refused to shoot. It inspired the stuffed toys known today as "teddy bears."

Another famous black bear was rescued from a forest fire in New Mexico. It became known as Smokey Bear. New Mexico chose the black bear as its state animal. The black bear also represents West Virginia, and Ontario's coat of arms has a black bear in the design."

And Bobbi, those pictures are absolutely beautiful! Gorgeous creatures!