How big are black bears in Virginia?

approximately 4 to 7 feet
Adult black bears are approximately 4 to 7 feet from nose to tail, and two to three feet high at the withers. Males are larger than females. Black bears have small eyes, rounded ears, a long snout, large non retractable claws, a large body, a short tail, and shaggy hair.

Are there black bears in Virginia?

Of the three bear species (black, brown, and polar bears) in North America, only the black bear lives in Virginia. Shy and secretive, the sighting of a bear is a rare treat for most Virginians. However, bears are found throughout most of the Commonwealth, and encounters between bears and people are increasing.

Can you shoot a black bear in Virginia?

According to Virginia law, it is illegal to kill a black bear this time of year. According to the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, a property owner in Amherst had complained about black bears “visiting his bird feeders” in past years.

What state has the biggest black bears?

The Largest Black Bears on the Planet. A little known Bear Fact is that coastal North Carolina is home to the largest black bears on the planet!

How old was the oldest black bear in Virginia?

The oldest documented wild female bear in Virginia was 30 years of age when it was killed and the oldest male was 25. Habitat: Incredibly adaptable, black bears occupy a greater range of habitats than any bear in the world. Bear home ranges must include food, water, cover, denning sites and diverse habitat types.

Where to report black bear harvest in Virginia?

As in previous years, hunters were also able to report their bear harvest at bear check stations. The quality of harvest data received during the last two seasons indicate that the electronic reporting system is an effective method of data collection, including submission of teeth for aging bears.

How big was the biggest black bear ever killed?

Score: 23 3/16″. Wildlife officials in Pennsylvania estimated that this bear was 15 years old and weighed over 700 pounds when Andrew Seman shot it in 2005. At the time, it was the Pennsylvania state record black bear and came within a whisker of being the biggest black bear ever killed by a hunter.

When does the black bear season start in Virginia?

The 2020–21 season was the second season during which hunters could check bears through the DWR electronic harvest reporting systems using their phone, internet, or mobile application. Electronic harvest reporting systems accounted for 68% of harvested bears reported during the 2020–21 season, up from 58% the previous year.