American Black Bear

The American Black Bear (Ursus americanus) is the smallest Bear in America. There are three Bear species on the North American continent: the Grizzly Bear, the Black Bear and the Polar Bear. Despite their relatively small size, American Black Bears are very adaptive. Besides, they are excellent climbers and can run at 30 miles per hour for short distances.

American Black Bears are more widely spread in America than the other two Bears. There are about 600,000 wild Black Bears on the continent. They can be found in various types of habitat, and can withstand harsh weather conditions. Climate and amount of food are the main two factors that determine their life mode. In habitats, where food is available year round, Black bears do not fall into winter sleep and breed year round. In northern regions, where climatic conditions are more severe and with less food available, American Black Bears breed seasonally and go into winter sleep.

American Black Bears are solitary and territorial (especially males) animals. To mark their territories, they leave scratches on trees. It is noteworthy that dominance is determined by the level, at which a Bear scratches the tree bark. If a bigger species comes around and scratches higher, the smaller one may leave the territory. The only time when they do actually come together are breeding seasons. Young Bears stay around the mother for about 18 months, which is long enough for the young to learn the basics of hunting and self-defense. Litters average 2-3 cubs, and females are extremely wary of anything or anyone exploring in the vicinity of their dens with the young inside. Males do not take part in caring for the young, and it is not uncommon for them to kill cubs.

The American Black Bear is omnivorous. His ratio depends on the season and the amount of food within his range. Bears feed on carcasses of dead animals, rodents, fish, insects, as well on fruits, berries, leaves, twigs and, of course, on honey, should they come across a bee farm. American Black Bears are not immediately aggressive, as many people think. However, it is hard to foresee a Bear’s behavior should he suddenly be faced with a human. As a rule, there is usually one motivation for Bears attacking humans – fear. Cornered Black Bears are more likely to perpetrate an attack. American Black Bears usually run away from humans if there is room for retreat. Not infrequently, nursing females charge against humans in an attempt to protect their cubs.

Today, we are witnessing a serious and universal conflict between man and wildlife, and the increased amount of human-bear encounters and attacks are only its separate manifestations. As we have concluded, Bears are more likely to charge when cornered. This is exactly what is happening today, as we have seriously damaged Bear habitat and thus left little room for animals to retreat. More often than not, the American Black Bear has no option but to adventure into human settlements and use their own natural methods to find food and security there.