American Black Bear

The American black bear, or simply black bear, is a medium-sized bear endemic to North America. It is the continent's smallest and most widely distributed bear species. American black bears are omnivores, with their diets varying greatly depending on season and location. The black bear has small, rounded ears and inch long claws on its feet. The black bear doesn't have a large shoulder hump like the brown, or grizzly bear. The black bear stands about three feet from shoulder to feet and it's 4-6 feet from head to toe. Males are usually much larger than females. Black bears are intelligent, creative and resourceful. Bears in general have the highest brain-to-body mass ratio of all carnivores and black bears are inquisitive, adaptive, intelligent animals that show insight and planning. They are remarkably tolerant of people.

Mass: 130 – 660 lbs (Male, Adult), 90 – 180 lbs (Female, Adult)

Gestation period: 220 days

Length: 4.5 ft. (Adult)

Conservation status: Least Concern (Population increasing)

Scientific name: Ursus americanus

Family: Ursidae