American Black Bear (Ursus americanus)

Bear Facts

• The most abundant of all the bear species.
• Around 500,000 in the wild.
• Around 40,000 bears are killed each year through legal hunting, over 20,000 are poached.
• By nature a timid and secretive bear.
• These bears suffer greatly when hunted with dogs and crossbows.
• Often killed for their gall bladder which is used in Traditional Chinese Medicine.
• American Black Bears can also be brown, cinnamon, blue-grey and even white (known as the Kermode or ‘Spirit’ Bear).
• Unlike the Brown Bears, they don’t have the shoulder hump.
• Black Bears can vary considerably in size.
• They are good climbers and swimmers.
• Found in North America and northern Mexico.
• Lifespan in the wild is around 20-25 years.
• Cubs stay with their mothers for 18 months.
• CITES appendix II.