Details
Ursus americanus
The American black bear is a widespread and adaptable North American bear. A skilled climber, it eats foods ranging from berries and nuts to insects and carrion.
Map: Ecoregions 2017 © RESOLVE (CC BY 4.0) · Natural Earth (PD)
It inhabits Nearctic forests and mountains. Large woods, thickets, wetland edges, and sometimes food near human settlements are used.
Length 120-200 cm; weight 39-280 kg. Fur may be black, brown, cinnamon, or pale, with rounded ears and a short tail. The shoulder hump is less pronounced than in brown bears.
Cathemeral and solitary, it shifts activity with season and human pressure. In winter it greatly reduces activity in a den.
An omnivore, it eats berries, nuts, grasses, insects, carrion, and small animals. In autumn it seeks energy-rich foods to build fat.
Delayed implantation follows mating, and females give birth in winter dens. Cubs stay with the mother while learning feeding sites and dangers.
It is listed as Least Concern and is stable in many parts of North America. Garbage and intentional feeding can increase conflict with people.
