Black Bear Reactions to Venomous and Non-venomous Snakes in Eastern North America.

摘要: Bears are often considered ecological equivalents of large primates, but the latter respond with fear, avoidance, and alarm calls to snakes, both venomous non-venomous, there is sparse information on how bears snakes. We videotaped or directly observed natural encounters between black (Ursus americanus) Inside range snakes in Arkansas West Virginia, adolescent adult reacted fearfully seven upon becoming aware non-venomous snakes; northern Michigan Minnesota where have been absent for millennia, showed little no fear four three species. The possible roles experience evolution bear reactions vice versa discussed. In all areas studied, had difficulty recognize non-moving by smell sight. did not react until moved 11 12 timber rattlesnakes (Crotalus horridus) species harmless However, additional tests this study, were repulsed garter that excreted pungent anal exudates, which may help explain absence harmless, diets reported date.