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Bear |
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The potential life span of these animals is 25-30 years,
but in the wild they live much shorter life due to habitat loss,
predation and hunting. Often these creatures become nuisances and have
to be killed. In this region the hibernation of these animals is very
short. |
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Habitat loss, habitat fragmentation, and unrestricted
harvest have significantly changed the distribution and abundance of
black bears (Ursus americanus) in North America since colonial
settlement. Although bears have been more carefully managed in the last
50 years and harvest levels are limited, threats from habitat alteration
and fragmentation still exist and are particularly acute in the
southeastern United States. In addition, the increased efficiency in
hunting techniques and the illegal trade in bear parts, especially gall
bladders, have raised concerns about the effect of poaching on some bear
populations. Because bears have low reproductive rates, their
populations recover more slowly from losses than do those of most
other North American mammals. |
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