Species

By Jim Martin - Own work, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=7816500

Ursus americanus

American black bears are a medium-sized bear endemic to North America. They have broad heads with narrow muzzles and are distinguishable from brown bears by their lack of shoulder hump. They have round, short claws, a small tail, and small, rounded ears. They are dexterous, intelligent, and highly intelligent. Black bears can range in colour from white, blond, cinnamon, brown, silver-grey and black. Males tend to be physically larger, while females have a sharper snout.

Range: Their native range is the near entirety of Canada down to southern California and New England with pockets occurring in much of the western United States and northern Mexico.

Habitat: Black bears have a preference towards habitats with thick vegetation, inaccessible terrain, and abundant sources of food. Can be found in temperate forests and scrub lands.

Size: 39.0-409 kg (85.90 to 900.88 lb); 120-200 cm (47.24 to 78.74 in)

Life Span: 10-32 years in the wild; 25-44 years in captivity

Feeding: Omnivore

Reproduction: Polygynous. Breeding season occurs from June to mid-July with the egg not implanted until autumn and gestation technically lasting only 10 weeks. Births occur in January and February, typically while the female is hibernating, to one to five cubs. Cubs are born blind and naked, remaining in the den with their mother and nurse throughout winter. Cubs are weaned around 6 to 8 months but remain with their mother until around 17 months when their mother forces them out of her territory. Females reach sexual maturity from 2 to 9 years old and males at 3 to 4 but continue to grow until 10 to 12 years old.

Conservation Status: Least concern. American black bears can adapt well to captivity as long as their habitat and enrichment requirements are met.

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Full Classification:

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