 |
Kingdom: Animalia
Black Bear |
|
Description Species Range and Distribution Habitat Requirements and Feeding
You
are the Author: Jana Milliken Site created by: Rachael McCormick Site Maintained by: Dr. Mark Wallace
|
Reproductive Characteristics Normal breeding age for a female black bear is about 3.5 years (LeCount 1984), although it can be as early as 2.5 and as late as 5.5 years (Powell et. al. 1997). Males can breed at 3.5 years, but usually do not until about 8 years old because they cannot compete with the larger, older bears (Powell et. al. 1997). In late summer, bears gorge themselves and may gain up to 30 pounds a week in preparation for hibernation (Domico 1988). Black bears winter in dens with the pregnant females entering first and small males last (Powell et. al. 1997). Black bears may den in caves, hollow logs, or tree cavities (Domico 1988). Smaller females have a selective advantage when hibernating because they can squeeze in dens too small for males to enter, protecting them and any cubs from harm (Domico 1988). The gestation period is 100-215 days, after which 1-4 cubs are born, but on average there are 2 per litter (Brittanica 1997). Females usually breed every other year (Britannica 1997). After emergence, cubs often fall prey to large male bears, bobcats, eagles, and mountain lions (Domico 1988). Orphaned cubs following emergence have been successfully introduced to foster mothers still in hibernation (Domico 1988). Cubs remain with the mother the following winter and are forced to shift for themselves the next spring (Domico 1988).
|