Although the American black bear may be feared by many people, it is actually a relatively timid animal. You would not want to come up against one face-to-face in certain situations, but it is rare for bears to attack humans and even less likely for them to eat humans! The only time you typically need to be concerned is if the bear feels that he must defend himself.
It is also true that bearers have a fantastic sense of smell. They are omnivores, so they can easily be attracted by either pet or human food, including refuse that is not disposed of properly. Typically, bears are shy and afraid of humans but the smell of food drives a bear to ignore its natural tendencies.
Back in 2008, a black bear was searching around a home looking for something to eat. Animal control was called to tranquilize the “trouble bear,” but the sedative didn’t work as well as was expected.
At that point, the bear began to wander because it was somewhat loopy from the sedative.
The bear was out of sorts and headed straight for the ocean, perhaps to take a swim. Bears are commonly good swimmers but this bear was having a bit of a struggle. Because of the sedative, his muscles quickly fatigued as he was trying to stay afloat.
The bear continued to try to swim but it was obvious that he was having difficulty. As the bear looked as if he was going to drown, a man by the name of Adam Warwick stepped up to the plate. He risked everything for the life of this beautiful creature.
Warwick works with the Wildlife Commission as a biologist. Although saving the life of such a large black bear may not have been on his mind when he woke up that morning, he did not hesitate to jump in the water and rescue the animal from drowning.
He grabbed the bear by the scruff of his back and struggled to keep the bear’s head above water. If it had not been for the sedative, the bear likely would’ve felt threatened and have attacked Warwick.
Warwick was able to bring the bear safely back to land. At that point, the bear simply fell over out of exhaustion. Fortunately, there was a tractor waiting on shore to help transport the bear to a safer location.
Please share this act of bravery with others