Black Bear
Geographic Range: It lives throughout much of the continent, from northern Alaska south into Mexico and from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean. This includes 41 of the 50 U.S. states, all Canadian provinces except Prince Edward Island, and some of Mexico.
Status: Common in Minnesota-current population estimate is 25,000.
Length: Approximately 5 feet.
Weight: 250 – 550 pounds. Males generally 20% larger
Description: Black bears have large bodies and heads, short powerful limbs and small eyes. They may be black, cinnamon, white or bluish.
Habitat: Forests
Typical Diet: Omnivorous; plant matter, insects, meat fruit, etc. They kill approximately 40,000 white-tailed deer per year in Minnesota. Each bear may kill 1–3 annually.
Similar Species: Brown or grizzly bear
Special Notes:
- Ursus (L) a bear; americanus, of america
- Bears are not true hibernators
- The female bear is impregnated in June or July
- 2 – 4 young are born in late January or early February
- Bears move both legs on one side of the body at the same time
- They are very swift and agile and can run up to 35 mph
- Climb trees and swim very well
- Black bears have 42 teeth. Their lips are free from their gums
- They have a very good sense of smell and relatively poor eyesight
- Ants become the dominant diet item in June and July, with berries becoming the mainstay late in July and August
