Black Bear Cubs Survive Wildfires
- Charles Reams
- Apr 21
- 3 min read
Wildfire survivors are amazed that no homes were lost and no one was injured or killed during the recent disaster.
This is in large part due to the hundreds of firefighters, support teams, and aerial assets who worked in concert to squelch the largest mountain wildfire in the history of the Upstate.
However, many survivors were worried that hibernating bears and cubs may have perished during the blaze.
This is not likely because this particular species of bear doesn’t hibernate. They do experience a period of extended slumber, known as “winter torpor,” which is more like deep sleep than true hibernation. During this period, they are easily roused and periodically roam around, then return to the den and sleep. I have seen bear tracks in the snow in February.
Bears flee the familiar smell of wood burning.
Native Americans have burned the woods annually for centuries.
Even black bear cubs are always watching for danger. Photo provided by Joey Frazier South Carolina Wimagazine
There was no time when the entire affected area was encircled by flame.
During all phases of the wildfire, bears have many escape routes, and they are not too proud to flee from wildfires.
Also, at the time of the fire, bear cubs would have been about 4-6 pounds, fully capable of following mama bear to safety. They would have been rambunctious and eager for adventure.
South Carolina Forestry Commission spokesperson Madeline Stewart told me she had not heard any reports of distressed or injured bears.
My concern for bears is that in October, when they will be famished, there will be no acorns and hickory nuts available because of the wildfire.
During Hurricane Helene, the preponderance of downed trees was mature oaks. Most oaks and hickories are shallow-rooted and were fully leafed out at the time, providing maximum vulnerability to the wind. They were disproportionately toppled over in hurricane-force, straight-line winds.
Black bear females with cubs are especially vigilant in watching for danger. Photo by John Walker
We will know the effect of this double-whammy disaster sometime in late September. Bears will start looking for acorns, and if they are not finding enough food here, they will migrate to other regions.
Several years ago, owing to a late spring freeze, we had a near-total loss of the white oak acorn crop. Many of our bears moved to the area between Rosman, North Carolina, and the Blue Ridge Parkway, where acorns were abundant. Hungry bears are going to get the calories they need, whether it’s acorns, bird seed, or pet food. For this reason, beware of backyard bears this fall.
Dennis Chastain is a Pickens County naturalist, historian and former tour guide. He has been writing feature articles for South Carolina Wildlife magazine and other outdoor publications since 1989.
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