| Name: ______________________________ | Date: ______________ |
Instructions
- Study black bear facts and practice observing wildlife responsibly.
- Use evidence from the information in each question.
- Remember to watch wild animals from a safe distance and never feed them.
- Show your thinking when solving math problems.
Example: A black bear walks 2 miles in the morning and 3 miles in the evening. How far does it walk altogether?
Answer: 2 + 3 = 5 miles
Part 1: Bear Basics
Complete each sentence with the correct word.
1. A black bear is a mammal, so its body is covered with __________.
2. Black bears usually eat both plants and animals, so they are called __________.
3. A bear's long winter sleep is called __________.
4. Cades Cove is located in the Great Smoky Mountains __________.
Part 2: Read the Signs
Choose the best answer for each question.
5. Which observation is the strongest evidence that a bear has been searching for food?
| ○ A. A torn-open log with insect tunnels | ○ B. A smooth flat rock |
| ○ C. A straight fence post | ○ D. A quiet stream |
6. Why might a black bear climb a tree?
| ○ A. To find food or escape danger | ○ B. To build a nest from leaves |
| ○ C. To change its fur color | ○ D. To make the tree grow |
7. Which action is safest when observing a bear?
| ○ A. Keep a wide distance and stay quiet | ○ B. Offer it a snack |
| ○ C. Move closer for a photograph | ○ D. Call loudly to attract it |
8. What does a bear's nose help it do especially well?
| ○ A. Detect scents | ○ B. See through rocks |
| ○ C. Hear underwater | ○ D. Change the weather |
Part 3: Wildlife Wisdom
Write True or False for each statement.
9. A black bear's fur is always completely black. True / False
10. Leaving food near a trail can teach bears to approach people. True / False
11. A safe wildlife observer records what happened instead of disturbing the animal. True / False
12. All signs of an animal, such as tracks or fur, prove that the animal is still nearby. True / False
13. Black bears can use their strong claws to climb trees. True / False
Part 4: Observation Evidence
Complete each row by identifying a possible observation, the evidence it provides, and a careful conclusion.
| Possible observation | Evidence or clue | Careful conclusion |
|---|---|---|
| Large tracks in soft mud | Five toes and claw marks | A bear may have passed by |
| Berry bushes with many berries missing | ||
| A hollow log is broken open | ||
| A dark animal is seen far away near a meadow | ||
| No tracks are found beside a trail |
Part 5: Trail Data (optional challenge)
Solve each problem and include the correct unit when needed.
15. A family observes three bear tracks that are 18 centimeters long, 16 centimeters long, and 20 centimeters long. What is the total of their lengths? Answer: __________ centimeters |
16. A ranger records 7 bear sightings in June and 5 sightings in July. How many sightings are recorded altogether? Answer: __________ sightings |
17. A bear walks 4 miles toward a stream and then 2 miles back toward the forest. How many miles does it travel? Answer: __________ miles |
18. Six observers each use binoculars for 10 minutes. How many observer-minutes of wildlife watching is that altogether? Answer: __________ observer-minutes |
Answer Key
| 1. | hair or fur |
| 2. | omnivores |
| 3. | hibernation |
| 4. | National Park |
| 5. | A (A torn-open log with insect tunnels) |
| 6. | A (To find food or escape danger) |
| 7. | A (Keep a wide distance and stay quiet) |
| 8. | A (Detect scents) |
| 9. | False |
| 10. | True |
| 11. | True |
| 12. | False |
| 13. | True |
| 14a. | Berry bushes with many berries missing · Missing berries · An animal may have eaten there, but the animal is uncertain |
| 14b. | A hollow log is broken open · Wood pieces and insect tunnels · A bear or another animal may have searched for insects |
| 14c. | A dark animal is seen far away near a meadow · Shape and movement viewed from a distance · It may be a bear, but more evidence is needed |
| 14d. | No tracks are found beside a trail · No clear footprints · There is not enough evidence to know whether a bear passed |
| 15. | 54 centimeters |
| 16. | 12 sightings |
| 17. | 6 miles |
| 18. | 60 observer-minutes |