American Black Bears (Ursus americanus) are far from the man eaters that brown bears and kodiaks can be. The saying is that the most people ususally see of black bears is their butts as they are running away from you.

I've seen much larger black bears that this lil fella while hiking in Itasca State Park and the saying is usually true - you hear a rustle in the brushes and see the bear running in the opposite direction. Although one time I startled a large male who was eating dead frogs on the road. I think we both gasped, but he got the biggest reaction when he decided to turn around and stand on his hind legs to take a better look at me. That.... was scary.

But in general, black bears are a fairly benign large carnivore to have in our ecosystem. Votes: +0

to be even more nerdy -

Bears are omnivores, not carnivores. Votes: +0

Black bears are pretty big whimps.

but we'll leave it on the threatdown.... Votes: +0

I watch Colbert every nite & know the reference... but I thought you were serious.

*sulking* Votes: +0

although I wasn't really sure myself. I have learned that sarcasm is hard to "hear" on a blog. It has to be dripping down like saliva off the teeth of a black bear(get it, heh? heh?) for some people to catch it. something like a title reading: "Fargo's #1 Threat: BEARS!" might do the trick... Votes: +1