08/19/2026
American Black Bears are the most wide spread bear species in North America. They are smaller than brown bears, but can still weigh well over 250 lbs. depending on the time of year. They have broad bodies with narrow muzzles and large paws holstering sharp claws. Despite their name, black bears come in a variety of colors. While most are indeed black, they can also be brown (also called cinnamon), gray, or blonde. Populations on the east coast are almost entirely black, while west coast populations tend to have a greater variety in fur color. Brown colored black bears are sometimes confused as grizzly bears, however, they lack the signature shoulder hump that all grizzly bears have.
Being a medium sized bear, black bears are slightly more agile than grizzly bears. This allows them to get into tighter spaces such as small caves or hollow tree trunks. They are quite fast, topping out around 25-30 mph. Black bears are masterful tree climbers and can scale trees very quickly, even at a young age. They are also very strong creatures. Black bears have been observed effortlessly moving around large boulders. Their muscular bodies also allow them to walk through dense vegetation without issue.
Black bears are omnivores, eating both meat and plants. Around 85% of a black bears diet comes from vegetation such as berries, nuts, and seeds. The other 15% comes mostly from fish or insects. They will often dig up and eat bee, ant, and yellow jacket nests. Black bears are also famously fond of honey and will enjoy it as a sweet treat when available.
Black bears typically live in large forested, often mountainous, areas. Across their range, black bear habitats tend to share common characteristics of having heavy understory vegetation, difficult to navigate terrain, and high quantities of edible vegetation. Black bears will occasionally wander into human communities in search of food. NEVER approach or feed a bear! 🐻
