Wildlife Information - Black Bear
Physical Characteristics
The black bear measures 4½ to 5 feet in length and stands 2 to 3 feet at the shoulder. The average weight of either sex is 125 to 400 pounds. It varies in color from blonde to reddish-brown to black.
Home Range
The black bear has a home range of 1 to 100 square miles.
Feeding Behavior
An omnivore, nearly 80 percent of the black bear's diet is made up of vegetative matter including roots and berries.
Geographic Location
The black bear inhabits much of the United States.
Habitat
A solitary animal, the black bear inhabits forests, swamps, and mountainous areas. It often dens under uprooted trees, hollow logs, or brush piles.
Reproduction
Mating occurs sometime between May and July. After a period of 7 to 8 months, twin cubs are born in a den. The cubs weigh 8 ounces each and measure 8 inches in length. The cubs' eyes are closed and they have no fur. They are ready to leave the den at 2 to 4 months. They stay with the female for about a year and a half.
Did You Know?
- The black bear loves honey and will rip open an beehive to get it. Its thick coat protects it from the stings.
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