American Black Bear (Ursus americanus)

Bear Facts

  • The most abundant of all the bear species.
  • Around 500,000 in the wild.
  • Around 40,000 bears are killed each year through legal hunting, over 20,000 are poached.
  • By nature a timid and secretive bear.
  • These bears suffer greatly when hunted with dogs and crossbows.
  • Often killed for their gall bladder which is used in Traditional Chinese Medicine.
  • American Black Bears can also be brown, cinnamon, blue-grey and even white (known as the Kermode or ‘Spirit’ Bear).
  • Unlike the Brown Bears, they don’t have the shoulder hump.
  • Black Bears can vary considerably in size.
  • They are good climbers and swimmers.
  • Found in North America and northern Mexico.
  • Lifespan in the wild is around 20-25 years.
  • Cubs stay with their mothers for 18 months.
  • CITES appendix II.