Black Bear Educational Resources
New York State is home to roughly 6,000-8,000 black bears that may be found in all regions of upstate New York from spring through fall. In a continuing effort to educate New Yorkers about co-existing with black bears and reducing human-bear conflicts, NYSDEC has created the "Living with New York Black Bears" DVD, which is available in school and public libraries throughout New York, and upon request from the DEC-call us at 518-402-8883 or email us for your copy. Take advantage of this fun and engaging resource to encourage your students to appreciate black bears in their environment, and to live and recreate safely and responsibly in bear country.
The 60 minute DVD combines over six years of black bear footage from across North America with expert interviews and guidance from wildlife management professionals. Teachers can use it to aid in the instruction of biology and ecology. Students may use it as a resource for their research. With increasing rural expansion, human-bear encounters are becoming more common every year. This educational DVD is a great source of information regarding:
- biology of black bears
- human-bear encounters/ conflicts
- black bear management
In rural areas where bear encounters are more common, the DVD could be used in a school assembly to educate students about:
- what they might expect living in bear country
- how to handle interactions with bears
- how to responsibly share their neighborhood and recreation areas with bears
Encourage your students and their families to observe and appreciate black bears, while keeping their backyards safe, and the bears wild!
Find this educational DVD at your school library,
local library, or request a copy from the DEC.
If you and your students live in areas of higher black bear population
density, such as the Adirondack and Catskill regions, this DVD and
free curriculum contain valuable advice on avoiding human-bear
conflicts in your neighborhood and backyard.
