The North American black bear or baribal bear is the most common species of bear.

Distribution area and habitat

Ursus americanus is native to Mexico, the USA and Canada. It lives in the coniferous forests of subarctic regions, on open tundra and on lowland near streams or rivers, changing its habitat depending on the season. In the summer the baribal bear prefers large areas of forest, whereas in spring it seeks out large rivers where it likes to catch fish.

Appearance, height and weight

With a body length of between 130 and 180 centimetres, the North American black bear is smaller than its relative, the brown bear. The females weigh approximately 60-70 kilograms whilst the males can reach a weight of 130-150 kilograms.

Black bears have different fur colorations – from black to blue-grey and brown to cinnamon, ochre and beige – depending on the subspecies they belong to. They often have a white, star-shaped mark on their chests. The fur of the so-called cinnamon bear shimmers a reddish chestnut brown. In contrast, Kermode bears on the coasts of Alaska are known as white, ghost or spirit bears because of their conspicuous light blond or white fur.

Chocolate-brown-coloured black bears can be distinguished from brown bears by their round backs and the absence of the mound of muscle on the nape of the neck which characterizes the latter.

Diet

As omnivores, North American black bears feed on berries, roots and acorns as well as on fish, carrion and insects. If there is sufficient food available they will eat up to 20 kilograms a day. Before winter hibernation they put on as much as 2.5 kilos per day.

Way of life

Black bears are loners that roam through a fixed territory. Pregnant females and bears in colder regions hibernate during the winter for a period which can last up to seven months.

Social behaviour and reproduction

Female black bears usually have their first young at an age of five to six years. They mate from April to July. After a gestation period of 7 to 7½ months, the cubs, of which there are usually two, weighing around 300 grams each, are born during hibernation. The mother looks after them for approximately two years.

If attacked, the baribal metes out strong blows with its paws. However, the black bear is generally the most peaceful of the great bears. Being a particularly skilful climber with its short, sharp claws, it usually seeks refuge up trees.

Status

The number of North American black bears is estimated at approximately 500,000 and is considered stable. Only populations in the east of the USA are endangered.