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The American black bear (Ursus americanus), also known as the black bear, is a species of medium-sized bear endemic to North America. It is the continent's smallest and most widely distributed bear species. It is an omnivore, with a diet varying greatly depending on season and location.
5 days ago · black bear, (Ursus americanus), the most common bear (family Ursidae), found in the forests of North America, including parts of northern Mexico. The American black bear consists of only one species and 16 subspecies. Its colour varies, however, even among members of the same litter.
- The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica
Learn about the black bear, the most widespread and adaptable of the three bear species in North America. Find out how to coexist with these amazing animals and avoid conflicts in bear country.
Learn about the diet, behavior, and habitat of the American black bear, the most common bear in North America. See stunning photos of black bears in various colors and settings, and watch a video of a bear catching salmon.
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Black bears live throughout most of North America, including northern Mexico. They typically live in forests and are excellent tree climbers, even sleeping in trees during the summer. They’re also found in mountains and swamps. Despite their name, black bears can be blue-gray or blue-black, brown, cinnamon, or even sometimes (rarely) white. In addi...
In late November and early December, black bears head to their dens to sleep away the winter, or hibernate. Their body temperature and heart rate are lowered, and their breathing slows down while they live off the huge amounts of body fat they stored up during the summer and fall. This way, they don’t have to leave their dens and hunt for food in t...
Male black bears leave their dens around mid-March, but females stay a little longer. That’s because they give birth around January and want to give their cubs time to nurse and grow bigger before heading back outside in the early spring. Black bear cubs stay with Mom for one to three years while she teaches them how to live in the wild. Then, when...
Learn about the American black bear, a versatile and widespread mammal that can live in various habitats and eat a variety of foods. Find out how to distinguish it from the grizzly bear, how it reproduces, and how it coexists with humans.
Learn about black bears, large mammals with thick, dark fur and a prominent snout, found in North America. Discover their diet, behavior, reproduction, and the threats they face from habitat loss and trophy hunting.
