Bear Facts: American Black Bear

The American Black Bear(Ursus americanus), also simply known as the Black Bear, is found in North America. This species is classified in the mammalian order Carnivora and family Ursidae.

Physical Characteristics

The American Black Bear, despite its name, ranges in color from blonde, cinnamon, light brown, dark chocolate brown, white, to jet black. Approximately 70% of all American Black Bears are black. The ears are short and rounded. Female American Black Bears weigh 87 kilograms(192 pounds) on average; Male American Black Bears weigh 197 kilograms(434 pounds) on average.

_Genus	_Ursus
_Species	_{U. americanus}
_{Binomial Name}	_{Ursus americanus}
_{Shoulder Height}	_{90cm-1.1m(2’11”-3’11”)}
_Length	_{1.2-2.4m(3’11”-7’11”)}
_{Tail Length}	_{8-18cm(3”-7”)}
_Weight	_{39-500kg(86-1,100 lbs.)}
_{IUCN Status}	_{Least Concern}

_{*The measurements listed in this table were the minimum and maximum found when conducting the research for this article.}

Range And Habitat

The American Black Bear lives in Canada, Mexico, and the United States Of America. This species inhabits Forests, swamplands, and mountainous areas that can reach 3 000 meters(9,843 Feet) in elevation.

Breeding

The mother American Black Bear gives birth to 1 to 6 cubs after a gestation period of 235 days. The newborn cubs weigh between 280 and 450 grams(10 ounces to 1 pound), It can take up to 40 days for the cubs to open their eyes and up to 18 months to become independent from their mother.

Predators

The Cougar(Puma concolor), Gray Wolf(Canis lupus), Coyote(Canis latrans), Bobcat(Lynx rufus), and Brown Bear(Ursus arctos) prey on the American Black Bear. Cubs are especially vulnerable to predation by these other animals.

Diet

The American Black Bear eats leaves, flowers, buds, nuts, roots, fruits, insects, eggs, fish, mammals, and carrion.

Fun Facts

The American Black Bear is the state mammal of Alabama.
One American Black Bear that weighed 54 kilograms(120 pounds) was seen turning over flat rocks that weighed between 141 and 147 kilograms (310 to 325 pounds) with a single foreleg.
American Black Bears are great swimmers.
American Black Bears can live for up to 44 years.