Yes, black bears generally do like watermelon.
Black bears are omnivores with a varied diet, and they are often attracted to sweet foods. Watermelon fits this preference perfectly due to its high sugar content. Beyond just taste, the high water content of watermelon also makes it a refreshing treat, especially during warm weather.
Watermelon for Cooling Down
The reference provided highlights a practical example of bears enjoying watermelon:
- Audubon Zoo: Black bears at the Audubon Zoo are given watermelons specifically to help them cool down in the summer heat. This shows that they readily consume it and benefit from its cooling properties.
This practice by zoos and wildlife rehabilitators demonstrates that watermelon is not only palatable but also a useful enrichment item for bears.
Why Bears are Attracted to Sweetness
Bears, like many mammals, have taste receptors that allow them to detect and prefer sweet flavors. In the wild, this preference guides them towards energy-rich foods like berries, fruits, and honey. Watermelon, being a sweet fruit, naturally appeals to this instinctual drive for calorie-dense snacks.
Watermelon in the Bear's Diet
While bears primarily forage for natural food sources like berries, nuts, insects, and sometimes meat, they are opportunistic eaters. If they encounter sources of food provided by humans, including garden vegetables and fruits, they will often take advantage. Watermelon falls into this category and can be a strong attractant.
| Benefit of Watermelon for Bears | Description |
|---|---|
| Sweetness | Provides energy and satisfies taste preference |
| Hydration | High water content helps in hot weather |
| Enrichment | Can be a fun and engaging treat |
In summary, evidence from animal care practices, like those at the Audubon Zoo, combined with their known dietary preferences for sweet foods, strongly indicates that black bears do indeed enjoy eating watermelon.
