American Black Bear Facts

American Black Bears Facts:

Scientific Name: Ursus americanus

Height: 70-105 cm (Adult, At Shoulder)

Lifespan: 18 + years (In the wild)

Gestation period: 235 days

Hibernation period: 3-8 months dependent on regional climate

Mass:Male: 60-250 kg (Adult), Female: 41-170 kg (Adult)

More about Black Bears

American Black Bears or North American Black bears are the continent’s smallest and most widely spread species. This bear is native to North America and typically can be found in forested areas. Black bears will venture out of the forest in search of food, which is why humans will often encounter them in campgrounds or picnic areas.

Black bears are not considered endangered, due to their widespread populations around the continent.

In terms of aggressiveness, these bears will often avoid confrontation with humans. Rather than attacking, they will often swat the ground with their paws, take fake charges towards a human, and make blowing noises.

Watch this amazing video about Spirit Bears & their connection to Black Bears:

The Connection Between Black Bears & Spirit Bears from SEEtheWILD on Vimeo.

Black Bear Facts & Tidbits:

• These bears have better eyesight and hearing than humans. They are most known for their keen sense of smell, which is 7 times greater than a dog’s!
• The diet of these bears is up to 85% vegetation and will vary through the different seasons. Their animal diet consists of bees and other insects, salmon, trout, catfish, deer fawns, and other young.
• Mexico is the only country where the black bear is considered “endangered”
• The “Spirit” bear or Kermode bear found on the central coast of British Columbia are 90% black in colour. 10% of the population have a recessive gene which causes their coats to appear white or cream-coloured.

Prefer to watch and learn more about Black Bears? Check out this Discovery Channel video:

< For more general info on bears, and the best in-the-wild experiences >

Distribution

Black Bears are found throughout North America including many provinces of Canada, many states of the USA, and North/Central Mexico. There are 16 sub-species. 

Status

IUCN Status: Least Concern; except Mexico where they are considered Endangered.