Most bears are proficient tree climbers. Spectacled bears and Sun bears are especially good at climbing trees, searching for insects and birds to eat, while some heavier bears like Polar Bears are unable to climb trees due to their weight.
No matter a bear’s reason for clambering up timber, it’s still surprising to learn that such a heavy-set animal can attempt the feat at all. That’s why this article will attempt to break down how different bear species can manage the act of climbing trees, their purpose, and much more!
Why Do Bears Climb Trees?
There’s a huge amount of diversity in the Ursidae family. There are eight bear species in total, inhabiting different parts of the world – from the Arctic to the warm and tropical lands of Southeast Asia.
It’s no wonder that these species differ from each other in behavioral characteristics, physical appearance, and diet.
Many bear species, especially those whose diet mainly consists of plants, berries, and insects, are good at climbing trees because that’s where they find their sustenance. Call it mother nature’s (or evolution’s) way of ensuring the survival of the species.
Read More: Do Bears eat Nuts and Berries?
Bears can also climb trees for leisurely pursuits. For example, Pandas are renowned for climbing trees for playtime. Other reasons why bears might climb trees include chasing prey, safety for predators, and rest.
Reasons Bears Climb Trees:
- To find food
- To play and socialize
- To hunt their Prey
- To hide from predators
- To sleep
Can A Grizzly Bear Climb A Tree?
Grizzlies, also known as Brown bears, generally don’t climb trees as adults due to their weight. Adult Grizzlies can weigh anywhere from 440 to 595 pounds (200-270kg).
You may find a grizzly climb a tree on rare occasion, and when it does, you’ll notice it really struggling.
Brown bears also find it difficult to climb trees for several physiological reasons. One such reason is that Brown bears have wickedly long claws that turn slightly inward, which helps them immensely while hunting and catching fish.
But, when it comes to going up trees, the nails make it difficult for the bears to latch on to the bark. Additionally, the species have immovable wrist joints, which means Brown bears can’t move their paws without moving the rest of their arms.
Sadly, that also affects the adult Brown bear’s agility and takes away from their ability to climb. Brown bear cubs, however, can climb trees with great success.
That’s possibly because cubs weigh only about 50 to 70 pounds until one year of age and remain nimble enough to climb trees without too much difficulty.
Can A Black Bear Climb A Tree?
Black bears are adept at climbing trees for two primary reasons – their weight and their specialized claws.
Black bears use their front paws to latch on to the trunk of a tree with their slightly curves sharp claws and push their weight up with the help of their powerful hind legs.
Black bears weigh much less than brown bears and Grizzlies, which helps them climb without breaking the tree.
Adult Black bears can weigh 551 to 375 pounds, depending on their sex. That makes them lighter than Grizzlies and probably makes it easier for them to bear their weight (excuse the pun) as they’re climbing.
Black bears are often compared with Koalas for their tree climbing prowess.
Can A Panda Bear Climb A Tree?
Panda bears are perhaps the most skillful of tree climbers in the Ursidae family, but not all pandas master the art of climbing trees early on. Pandas use their heads to hug the trees as they use their claws to hoist their weight up the trunk.
Animal scientists are often astounded at a Panda’s ability to climb trees at all – because their body shape isn’t exactly conducive to climbing. Pandas have large, chubby bodies, with large heads and relatively small arms and legs.
Yet, despite it all, Pandas can beat the odds and become expert tree climbers. Researchers at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding and the Georgia Institute of Technology noticed that Pandas employ a unique technique while they’re attempting to climb trees.
Baby Pandas who figure out the ‘head’ trick become fast climbers that get better at the exercise with practice. However, Pandas that haven’t figured out the special trick are pretty terrible at climbing.
How To Get A Bear Out Of A Tree?
If you spot a bear stuck up a tree, just leave them alone. Bears can climb trees to escape predators, hunt, or find food. If you’re concerned, contact your local wildlife service and let them know about the situation. Never attempt to handle a wild bear yourself.
More often than not, bears stuck in trees have strayed too close to a human population and are being chased out by wildlife officials. Bears tend not to be friendly towards humans. They are wild animals and may flee up a tree to avoid humans.
In which case, the officers are trained to deal with the situation and get the animal out by tranquilizing it and setting up a safety net to catch its fall.
However, if one spots a bear up a tree without any officials nearby, it’s never a good idea to try and handle the situation yourself. If the area is secluded, it’s best to leave the bear alone to climb down and leave.
There are quite a few sources on the internet that claim luring down a bear with food might work. But such methods can prove hazardous for humans and bears and should be avoided at all costs.
Conclusion
To sum up, most bear species are adept climbers and find it easy to scramble up foliage. Bigger bears that can’t climb trees are hindered mainly by their weight and physiology, such as adult Brown bears.
Bears climb trees to hunt, and to forage for berries, nuts and fruit.
Stuart is the editor of Fauna Facts. He edits our writers’ work as well as contributing his own content. Stuart is passionate about sustainable farming and animal welfare and has written extensively on cows and geese for the site.