Black Bear
ExploreMammal
Black Bear
Ursus americanus
Black bears are large, furry mammals that love to explore forests and mountains. They have a great sense of smell and are excellent climbers.
Habitat: Forests, Mountain regions
Appearance
The Black Bear is typically recognized by its shaggy coat, which can range from shiny black to shades of brown, cinnamon, or even rare blue-gray or white. It often has a lighter muzzle and sometimes a white chest patch, distinguishing it from other bear species.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassMammaliaOrderCarnivoraFamilyUrsidaeGenusUrsus
Category
MammalRarity
Common
Danger
3/5
Snaps
75
Interesting facts
A black bear can sniff out food from over 30 kilometers away!
Black bear cubs are born tiny, blind, and helpless, often no bigger than a soda can!
Black bears can grow a layer of fat several inches thick for winter survival!
They don't truly hibernate; they enter a deep sleep called torpor, waking easily if needed!
Special abilities
Ability
Hibernation Hero
Black Bears can enter a long winter sleep because of special body adaptations that help them conserve energy and survive cold months.
Ability
Master Climber
Black Bears have strong claws and agile bodies that help them swiftly climb trees to find food or escape danger.
Ability
Super Sniffer
Black Bears have an incredible sense of smell that helps them locate food from far away and detect potential threats.
Measurements & details
- Length
- 120-200 cm
- Weight
- 90-270 kg
- Lifespan
- 15-25 years
- Top Speed
- 55 km/h
- Litter Size
- 1-5
- Gestation
- 210-220 days
Diet & Feeding
Black bears are omnivores, eating almost anything from berries to insects!
Age differences: Cubs drink milk, then transition to their mother's diverse omnivorous diet.
Primary Foods
- Berries
- Nuts
- Grasses
- Insects
- Fish
- Carrion
Foraging Method
- Foraging
Ecological connections
eats
Lowbush blueberry
Vaccinium angustifolium
A key berry source in summer.
eats
White oak
Quercus alba
Acorns provide vital fall energy.
eats
Red wood ant
Formica rufa
Bears dig up ant larvae.
eaten by
Cougar
Puma concolor
Can prey on black bear cubs.
Traits
Wildlife
Step into the incredible world of wild animals and plants living freely in nature. From tiny insects to towering trees, it's all part of the wild wonders around us!
Furry
Find adorable animals covered in a cozy coat of soft fur! Their fur helps them stay warm and protected in different environments.
Omnivorous
Meet versatile eaters who enjoy a wide variety of foods, from plants to other animals, allowing them to adapt to many different environments. They're nature's flexible diners!
Mountain
Discover the amazing plants and animals that call towering mountains and high altitudes their home, adapting to cooler air and rocky slopes.
Forest
These lush habitats are filled with countless trees, offering homes to a huge variety of plants and animals! Immerse yourself in the green canopy.
Temperate Rainforest
Discover cool, misty forests near coasts, where ancient trees stand tall and plenty of rain nourishes a vibrant green world.
Nocturnal
Explore the secret world of animals that come alive at night! They are wide awake when it's dark, using their amazing senses to find food and play.
Also known as
American BearAmerican Black BearCommon Black Bear
Collections
Safety
Danger
3/5
If you see a black bear, stay calm and back away slowly. Never approach or feed a bear.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Black Bear?
120-200 cm
How much does Black Bear weigh?
90-270 kg
How long does Black Bear live?
15-25 years
How fast can Black Bear move?
55 km/h
What does Black Bear eat?
Black bears are omnivores, eating almost anything from berries to insects!
Where is Black Bear usually found?
Forests, Mountain regions
How does Black Bear hunt?
Foraging
How many babies does Black Bear usually have?
1-5
Snap Map
Zoom in to split clusters and explore where this object has been snapped.
Loading map…
Recent Snaps
Where to spot
Aquarium30 sightings22 species
Nebraska, US
Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium
You might spot Lion, Giraffe, and Tiger.
View guide →
Zoo30 sightings17 species
Michigan, US
Detroit Zoo
You might spot Lion, Wolverine, and Giraffe.
View guide →
Zoo27 sightings17 species
North Carolina, US
North Carolina Zoo
You might spot Lion, Giraffe, and Common Ostrich.
View guide →
Zoo22 sightings15 species
Oklahoma, US
Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden
You might spot Lion, Tiger, and Indian Rhinoceros.
View guide →
Park98 sightings14 species
Ontario, CA
Grundy Lake Provincial Park
You might spot Painted Turtle and Common Watersnake.
View guide →
Park24 sightings13 species
Ontario, CA
Algonquin Provincial Park
You might spot Moose, Brittlegills, and Canadian Bunchberry.
View guide →
