Click on the Black Bear to view a larger image. |
DISTINGUISHING MARKS
5-6 ft (152-183 cm); weight 200-475+ lbs. (90-214+kg). Color varies from black (in East) to cinnamon or black(in west) to nearly white (on Gribble I., B.C.).The “Blue” or “Glacier” Bear from near Yakutat Bay, Alaska, is probably a color phase of the Black bear. Face in profile, straight or Roman, always brown. There is usually a small patch of white on breast. Commonest and most widely distributed of the bears; also the smallest.
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DISTRIBUTION
In East, primarily forest and swamps; in West, chiefly mountainous areas.
HABITS
Primarily nocturnal, but occasionally abroad at midday. Usually solitary, except females with cubs. Eats berries, nuts, tubers, insects and their larvae, small mammals, eggs, honey, carrion, garbage. Dens beneath down tree, in hollow log or tree, beneath roots, or wherever there is shelter. Semihibernates in winter in North.
POINT OF INTEREST
Voice varies from a loud growl when fighting to a woof-woof to warn cubs of danger and whimper to call cubs. May live 30 years or more. |
