Black bears hibernate during the winter months (up to six months in some areas). Their coloration tends to vary throughout their range (black in eastern regions, yellow-brown in central areas, and gray-blue in the Pacific coastal region).
About 95 percent of the black bear diet is plant-based and includes roots, buds, nuts, berries, fruit, clover, dandelions, and wild oats. The remaining 5 percent of their diet consists of the larvae of ants, bees, and hornets. Black bears are relatively ineffective predators, and seldomly capture larger prey. On rare occassions, they catch fawns, moose calves, and beaver.
- Mass: 120-150 kg
- Body Length: 130-180 cm
- Tail Length: 12 cm
- Shoulder Height: 80-95 cm
- Diet: omnivore (grasses, berries, nuts, fruit, seeds, insects, small vertebrates, carcasses)
- Breeding Season: June and July
- Age at Sexual Maturity: 3 years
- Number of Offspring: 1-4 (2 average)
- Predators: brown bear, wolf, humans
- Average Lifespan: 30 years
Classification
Where to See
References
- Burnie D, Wilson DE. 2001. Animal. London: Dorling Kindersley. 624 p.
- Kopack H. 2000. Lagenorhynchus acutus, Animal Diversity Web. May 27, 2004.


