Subtypes

By National Park Service - National Park Service, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=29578464

Ursus americanus emmonsii

Glacier bears are a subspecies of American black bear with silver-blue or grey hair. They are endemic to Southeast Alaska, British Columbia, and the extreme southwest of the Yukon. Little knowledge exists of their extent and cause of colouration as well as no evidence supporting subspecies designation besides colour. Glacier bears can be silver blue to gray black. Bears are typically lighter on their backs and shoulders, with their legs and belly being dark.

Range: Their native range is the Alaskan coast, the extremity of British Columbia and Yukon. 

Habitat: Black bears have a preference towards habitats with thick vegetation, inaccessible terrain, and abundant sources of food. 

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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