Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Carnivora
Family: Ursidae
Genus: Ursus
Species: U. americanus
The American black bear is America’s smallest and most common bear. They are usually found in the forests of North America, like those in New York, but can be found as far south as Texas. These bears are much smaller and wider spread than their relative the grizzly bear, which is only found on the Western side of America. They are also considered far less dangerous than the grizzly.
Due to their loss of habitat, American black bears are forced more and more to interact with humans where forests and human habitats overlap. When the bears emerge from the forest, it is usually in search of food. They are intelligent and adapt easily, so this often leads to their rummaging in garbage, eating outside pet food or crops. This can be dangerous for people and bears. These bears are not naturally aggressive, but when they are frightened, they do fight back. Sadly this often leads to the bears being killed. For this reason, it is very important for people who live near black bear habitats to keep potential food sources secured.
Here are some more facts about the American black bear:
• They are omnivores; they eat meat and plants.
• Some of their favorite meals are grasses, berries, bees and fish.
• Much of their diet depends on their habitat, and what is in season. They are mostly scavengers.
• Their natural habitat is the forest.
• They are skilled at climbing trees.
• They are usually solitary creatures.
• Female black bears give birth to two or three blind cubs in the middle of winter.
• The cubs stay with their mother for about two years.
• They hibernate during the winter.
• Hibernating means the bear sleeps and does not eat or drink the entire time.
• Black bears can be many different colors such as brown, cream, black and silver.
• Most males weigh between 130 and 500 pounds.
• The average bear is 6 feet long.
• However, the Kodiak bear, a kind of black bear which lives in Alaska, can get bigger because they eat a lot of salmon.
• It is one of two bear species that is not threatened with extinction.
