A black bear is nothing but a wild pig with bigger teeth and claws. LOL But it's true. I have dispatched and eaten over 150 bears in my time. I've prepared it every way conceivable for human consumption. But the general rule of thumb for all pork (black bear) is that it should be cooked well done. That being said, I've made jerky by drying it and by smoking it. Have never had a problem either way. I now have most of my bears made into pepperettes (slim jims, hot rods, etc.).