Ursus americanus

Description

Black bears are the smallest of the North American bears, reaching a height of 2-3 ft at the shoulders. Their head and body range between 5-6 ft. Males are larger than females, up to 33%. They normally weigh between 200 and 500 lbs, however have the potential of getting much larger. The largest bear on record came out of eastern North Carolina; the black bear male weighed 880 lbs. Black bears hibernate in dens in the winter where they stay until spring.

Habitat

Black bears are generally found in wooded areas, especially in the north, and mountainous regions (both in the east and especially in the western part of the U.S.).

Diet

Their diet consists of berries, nuts, fruits, insects, eggs, fish, and small mammals, but they are not limited to these foods. Black bears are omnivores, meaning they will eat a wide variety of food, mainly determined by accessibility.

Range

Black bears are found throughout the New England area and within the Appalachian Mountain Range. They are also wide spread throughout Alaska and Canada.

Other Useful Information

Black bears are the most common native bear in North America, with the largest distribution continent wide.

Similar Species

The other North American bears are grizzly and polar bears, but are much larger than black bears.