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| Latin name | Ursus americanus |
| Length | 150 - 180cm (4.9-5.9ft) |
| Height | 90cm (3ft) |
| Weight | 115 - 270kg (253-595lb) |
| Gestation | 220 days including delayed implantation |
| No. of young | 1 - 5 |
| Lifespan | up to 26 years |
The American black bear tends to live in woodland habitats. In eastern parts it will be found in wooded areas and swamps, while in the west it seeks forests and wooded mountains.
The American black bear's habitat is mainly the temperate rainforests of America, where the weather is wet and mild and many of the trees grow very tall. This habitat gives the bear all that it needs - plenty of food, drinking spots, and places to rest, sleep and den.
The American black bear is found from the northern tree limit of the Arctic, south through most of Canada, Alaska and Central America right down to northern Mexico.
American black bears are classed as carnivores, although at least 75% of the food that they eat comes from vegetation. Depending on the time of year, they will feed on grass, herbs, twigs, leaves as well as corn, acorns and beechnuts, bulbs and berries and fruits of all kinds. They also may feed on insects and grubs, bees and their honeycomb and medium-sized mammals. Being a good swimmer, they may also be seen catching fish in streams and lakes. The fact that the American black bear eats such a variety of foods is probably the key to its success as a species.
Black bears usually mate between June and mid-July. Males and females spend little time with one another even at this time, usually mating and parting again.
The birth takes place when the mother is in her den during the winter sleep, where the tiny cubs are protected during their first few months. To achieve this timing, the fertilized egg is not implanted in the female's uterus until around October, often when she is already denning.
Therefore, their Gestation period is eight to ten weeks from this time but 220 days with delayed implantation. In January or February, the female gives birth to up to five, but usually two or three, cubs.
Like all bears, the American black bear walks in the same way that humans do - that is on the heels, then the soles of its feet. Usually it moves around on all fours in a clumsy, shuffling walk. Although it moves slowly in its daily life, the American black bear can move fast if it needs to, up to 48km/h (30mph).
As with all bears, smell is the most highly developed sense. The nose is permanently wet, and the American black bear often sits up on its haunches, sniffing the air in a dog-like manner.
The American black bear are extremely good at climbing trees and they do this frequently, either to escape humans, grizzly bears or to find food. It is also a strong swimmer with no fear of water.
As autumn approaches, the bears begin to eat more; they can gain 14kg (30lb) a week at this time. It does this to lay down fat reserves which will last it through the winter, as most black bears spend the cold months asleep in specially prepared dens. On warm winter months, the American black bear may awaken and leave the den for a few hours. If undisturbed, it may sleep for a full month without moving.
Although the American black bear has been heavily hunted through the centuries, the fact that it is so adaptable has helped it to maintain its numbers in the wild.
Over the years, bears have played a large part in the world of entertainment. Dancing bears were popular in many places, with the animals being muzzled and chained and made to perform tricks and 'dance'.
The American black bear has also been widely hunted by man. They are used as targets for 'sport' hunters. They have also been killed for their meat and fur. In 1953, 700 black bears were killed to provide busby helmets for the soldiers at Queen Elizabeth II's coronation.
The black bear has lost a lot of its habitat to forest clearance. This has forced them to move to more isolated areas. Today, none of the subspecies are listed as endangered, although some are rare. In many states, laws allow controlled hunting of the American black bear in order to keep numbers to an acceptable limit.
- It is the American black bear that is said to be the original 'teddy bear'!
- The American black bear has occasionally been known to sweep mountain goats off their ledges to provide a tasty meal.
- Zoologists can tell the age of a bear by cutting across a tooth and counting the rings.
- Another major threat to the American black bear is the illegal killing of them to supply Asian markets with bear gall bladders and paws. These are considered to have medicinal value in China, Japan and Korea.
- Black bears have been known to open door latches and to unscrew jar lids.