ABSTRACT
Bears are omnivores and infections in them indicate cumulative contamination with oocysts and intermediate hosts in the environment. The biology of black bears is different than that of polar bears and brown bear. Black bears are hunted for human consumption. The highest prevalence was in Pennsylvania, in accordance with the data in past 4 decades. In most surveys, there was no association between sex of the bear and seroprevalence. In some surveys there were regional differences. The hunters are required to check their hunt at the Wildlife check station and data are recorded. The very high and persistent T. gondii infections in black bears are intriguing. Black bears in Pennsylvania begin breeding earlier than anywhere else within their range; bears breed in summer with the peak occurring between mid-June and mid-July. Breeding can begin between 2 and 4 years of age, but most sows are breeding by 3 years.
