THE BLACK BEAR
The Black Bear is the smallest and most widespread of the 3 North American bears. Although common to North America unlike the other two, the Black Bear is by far the most numerous bear on the planet with an estimated population of 700,000, over half of which are found in Canada.
Black bears are generally shy and reclusive animals. They avoid human contact and are not normally aggressive towards people. The only exceptions to this are so called "park bears" which are fed and lose their natural fear of humans. Like its cousin the Grizzly Bear, the Black Bear is a true omnivore, though very much at the vegetarian end of the scale. Fruit, nuts, berries, and roots make up the bulk of its diet, though carrion, insects, honey, fish, and small mammals also feature. It is predominately a lonely animal, but highly intelligent and adaptable which has allowed it to cope more successfully with human encroachment than the grizzly. Its woodland range still extends from Canada and Alaska in the North. It is a highly skilled opportunist able to thrive even in some urban areas. Possessed of great curiosity, resourcefulness, and excellent memory, Black Bears have been known to open door latches, unscrew jar lids, and even recognize specific vehicles and uniforms. It is also highly agile, an excellent climber, and capable of running at 25mph.
Adult Black Bears generally weigh 175-500 pounds and live for 18 years in the wild, though some have been known to exceed 30. Females reach maturity between 4 & 5, with males a year later. Mating normally takes place in June and July with implantation being delayed until October or November as with other bears. After a 70 day gestation period females give birth to 1-5 cubs in a winter den, around 7-8 months after copulation. The cubs are born naked and blind, and they are weaned in July or September of their first year, but stay with their mother through a second winter.
Sadly Black Bears are still legally killed by trophy hunters in North America, but the biggest threat to this beguiling animal is widespread poaching and illegal hunting to meet the insatiable demand for bear gall bladders and paws in the traditional Far East medicine markets.
Black Bears can be seen in their natural habitat throughout spring, summer, and fall on Vancouver Island and in Riding Mountain National Park, Manitoba.


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