Are Bears predators?

[birddogdad]

this was sent to me by a friend in Maine. I posted in another discussion but thought not many would see it there.

[ghosthunter]

Yep

Around my area bears kill elk calves in the spring.

[Hoythunter]

Yep, fawn and calf killing machines in the Spring.

[Mike450r]

I say at times but mainly no,  not a real predatory animal,  a very very opportunistic animal.  Being an omnivore they don't have to rely on killing but rather take it when it comes.   They will act predatory if need be but it is far from their sole nature.  Much different than a true carnivore.

[wafisherman]

A friend had a foal that bearly survived a bear attack the other day. 

[DOUBLELUNG]

Most of the year black bears are more vegetarian than carnivore, though it varies greatly by area depending on seasonal food resources.  It is indisputable that during the short period of the year when fawns and calves are vulnerable to bear predation, bears are highly carnivorous and extremely efficient at killing fawns and calves during the short time in May and June when they are bedded and unattended except for feedings.  Some studies have documented 50% of neonate ungulates being eaten by bears within the first two weeks after birth.     

[irishevox]

not even sure why this is a question. 

[Stein]

I believe they are the #1 predator of elk and deer newborns.  So, yes they are predators.

[mfswallace]

I believe they are the #1 predator of elk and deer newborns.  So, yes they are predators.

cougars and wolves would beg to differ 

[birddogdad]

not even sure why this is a question.

it was to get you to view this great photo!

[irishevox]

o got ya nice pic

[Stein]

I believe they are the #1 predator of elk and deer newborns.  So, yes they are predators.

cougars and wolves would beg to differ 

In MT, bears eat more elk calves than cougars and coyotes combined.  The study I read was pre-wolf I believe.

https://www.wildlifemanagementinstitute.org/PDF/13-CauseSpecific%20Mortality%20of....pdf

[gomerbull]

not even sure why this is a question.

[birddogdad]

not even sure why this is a question.

i can connect the dots for ya... this IS the photo/video section of the site... do you need more to understand?

[Blacktail Sniper]

not even sure why this is a question.

i can connect the dots for ya... this IS the photo/video section of the site... do you need more to understand?

http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rhetorical_question