Who Hunts the Hunter? Animals That Prey on Bears

Last year, right around my birthday, I took a trip to the Great Smoky Mountains for the first time. My day began with a hike on a quiet trail, breathing in the crisp mountain air, when I heard the leaves crunching behind me. At first, I figured it was another hiker or maybe someone catching up to me. When I turned around, much to my surprise, there was no person at all. Headed in my direction was a black bear.

The bear was not charging, but it was not timid either. I instantly regretted taking the hike as this large creature took each calm, calculated step toward me. Seeing this living tank reminded me of the fear animals experience when they stumble upon a bear. Fortunately, when I backed away, so did it. I was lucky, but it often made me wonder: what does a bear have to fear? As it turns out, even some of the most feared creatures in the wild sometimes have to watch their backs.

Beware the Bear

Bears are some of the most dominant land predators in the world. Brown bears typically roam North America and Eurasia, black bears inhabit forests and mountains, and polar bears live in the Arctic. Each of the eight species of bears is strong, adaptable, intelligent, and capable of surviving in places few other large mammals can.

Even with their strength, bears (especially the younger and older ones) can still end up as someone else’s meal or rival. In a bear’s case, power does not guarantee immunity. Looking deeper into this food chain, being at the top can sometimes leave bears vulnerable.

You might have seen online videos of clumsy bear cubs far from their mothers. These cubs are born blind (gaining their vision later) and weigh barely a pound at birth. In fact, at the earliest stage of life, bears are most vulnerable, depending on their mothers for everything from warmth to food and protection. For the first few months of life, bear cubs rarely leave their mothers’ sides. This is for good reason. Without her, it is hard for them to stand a chance against the many animals that can feed on them.

Predators that target adult bears must rely on strategy. Adult bears’ muscles, speed, claws, and temperament are no joke, but that does not mean they are untouchable. Sometimes it is not about who is stronger, but who is smarter, sneakier, or more desperate. Let’s dive into a few of the most notable predators of bears.

1. Wolves

One of the most common predators of bear cubs is wolves. Though rare, when given the opportunity (especially during lean seasons), wolves seize it.

Wolves often hunt in strategic packs. They typically do not stumble upon cubs; they usually track them and wait for an in. A cub wandering too far on its own, or a distracted mother, provides the perfect opportunity for wolves to move in. A few wolves can surround and capture a cub in seconds. At that point, there is little a small bear can do.

2. Eagles

These massive birds are known for their voracious appetites. Golden eagles, which often consume small mammals, have been documented preying on bear cubs as well. With wingspans of up to 7 feet and dive speeds of over 100 mph, a single strike from these powerful talons can be fatal. Although it is rare, it does happen, and it is a chilling reminder that even the air can hold danger for these cubs.

3. Tigers, Cougars, and Lynxes

These silent stalkers are excellent at ambushing unsuspecting cubs with terrifying precision. In mountainous terrain where visibility is low and the terrain is rough, these stealthy predators can pose a real threat. Like wolves, they stalk in the shadows and wait for a single moment of opportunity. If a cub falls behind or wanders just a little too far, it might not make it back when these large cats are around.

In parts of the world where tigers and bears share overlapping territory, there can be conflict. When two persistent predators share a small area, competition can ensue. In areas where food is scarce or competition is tight, tigers have been known to stalk, ambush, and kill bears. These encounters are rare, but they do occur.

4. Other Bears (Infanticide)

The threat sometimes comes from inside the house. As a brutal part of bear biology, male bears may kill cubs to bring the mother back into heat (infanticide). Infanticide has been observed mostly in brown bears and polar bears, especially during the height of mating season. This behavior is solely about mating. When a male bear kills cubs that are not his offspring, the mother can re-enter estrus sooner, giving him a chance to pass on his genes.

Bears often clash with one another, usually over territory, food, or mates. These clashes can become violent quickly. The fights are usually between adult males and can end up being fatal. While they might not eat each other afterward, the outcome is the same.

Predators Invisible to the Eye

Not all predators are visible stalking through the forest. Microscopic invaders can creep in unnoticed and be just as deadly as claws or teeth. Parasites, viruses, and bacteria are always present, ready to drain life away.

Parasitic Threats to Bears:

• Ticks, mites, and intestinal worms have the potential to cause serious health issues in cubs and older bears

• Specifically, sarcoptic mange is a brutal threat caused by mites that burrow into the skin

Diseases:

• Bears are vulnerable to diseases like canine distemper, rabies, and parvovirus

• Diseases like these are spread by contact with infected animals and can make bears easier prey, as infections may weaken them or prevent them from foraging and defending themselves.

The Largest Threat of All: Us

The biggest threats to most bear species are human activities such as habitat loss, conflict, and, for some species, hunting. For polar bears, however, climate change and the resulting loss of sea ice are the greatest threats. Humans have been hunting, poisoning, trapping, and displacing bears for centuries. Sometimes it is fur, other times trophies. Sometimes, it is simply because a bear got too close to a farm or someone’s trash can. Let’s break down how humans are the biggest threats to these creatures.

Hunting:

• Legal and illegal hunting of bears remains a threat in some regions, but for many bear species, habitat loss and climate change now pose even greater risks.

• In some regions, bears are killed to reduce competition with hunters or for body parts used in traditional medicine

Habitat Loss and Fragmentation:

• Forests being cut down and mountains that are mined create fragments of a habitat that once was

• Roads sliced through migration paths make bears end up with nowhere to go but urban areas

Conflict and Climate Change:

• Bears that come into contact with humans can be euthanized (even if they were just looking for food)

• Polar bears are struggling to survive as melting sea ice, driven by climate change, continues to reduce their habitat. They are currently classified as Vulnerable by the IUCN Red List.

Even Apex Predators Have Enemies

Bears are not at the bottom of the food chain, but they are not untouchable either. Although cubs are the most vulnerable stage in a bear’s life, adult bears also face dangers from stealthy hunters such as tigers and humans. Being a bear does not mean being alone at the top; it means constantly looking over your shoulder. Because in the system of nature, even the hunter can become the hunted.

The post Who Hunts the Hunter? Animals That Prey on Bears appeared first on A-Z Animals.