Black Bears in Autumn

Lowell Mosely bear in wild cherry

The mountains are blessed to have an abundance of black bears.  Maybe too many, as they seem to be moving into the city neighborhoods and making themselves at home like this guy here. This video was taken in downtown Asheville last year.



In autumn black bears begin to store fat and, usually in December, enter a winter den. The den is frequently in a site with heavy ground cover, and bedding material is sometimes gathered. Black bears, unlike some ground squirrels and rodents, are not hibernators. Unlike true hibernators, black bears are relatively easily aroused from their winter dormancy. Dormant black bears have decreased heart rate and respiration, but their body temperature declines very little. They remain dormant from two to four months during the year, even when the weather is mild.

Julie Roepnack's spoon rest

We have lovely bear themed crafts - Lowel Mosely's hand carved bear, Julie Calhoun-Roepnack's bear pottery in mugs, spoon rests and plates, new potholders from Joy Carfaro and stunning earrings in the native American style by Jim Littlewolf.

Bear mug

Joy Carfaro potholder

Jim Little Wolf bear earrings

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