Plant-based foods:
* Berries: Blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, blackberries, and other wild berries are a big part of their diet, especially in the summer and fall.
* Nuts: Acorns, beechnuts, and other nuts are important food sources in the fall.
* Grasses and other plants: Black bears eat a variety of grasses, leaves, and other plants throughout the year.
* Roots and tubers: They dig for roots and tubers in the spring and fall.
Animal-based foods:
* Insects: Black bears eat a variety of insects, including ants, beetles, and grubs.
* Fish: They'll fish for salmon and trout in streams and rivers.
* Small mammals: Black bears will sometimes prey on small mammals like rodents, squirrels, and rabbits.
* Carrion: They'll scavenge on carcasses of dead animals.
Important note: Black bears are opportunistic feeders, meaning they will eat whatever is available and easy to find. Their diet can change drastically from one day to the next.
Black bears are essential for maintaining a healthy ecosystem. They help disperse seeds through their droppings, and they play a role in regulating populations of other animals.