More Bear Facts

Scientific Name

Ursus americanus

Spanish Name

Oso negro

Size

Black bears are the smallest of the three bear species found in North America. Adult male black bears (boars) are four to six feet in length and weigh up to 600 pounds (highest recorded weight: 902 lbs.) Adult females (sows) are the same length but weigh 90 to 175 pounds (highest recorded weight: 520 lbs.)

Birth Weight

7 - 11 oz.

Litter Size

One to five cubs, though the average is two

Range

Black bears can only be found in North America, from Canada to Mexico. The most widely dispersed bear in North America, they live in 40 US states

Territory

Solitary animals, black bears roam an area of 15 - 100 square miles

Habitat

Forested areas, arid or moist

Behaviors

They live both in trees and on the ground and are nocturnal. They can run 30mph at short distances

Diet

They are omnivores subsisting on acorns, pine/fir seeds, berries, honey, and occasionally carrion & small rodents

Population

Approximately 750,000

Hibernation

Considered a “master dozer” among bear species, the black bear hibernates for 100 days during which time cubs are born

Predators

Other bears and man

Photo by Jay Pierstorff

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