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Kingdom: Animalia
Black Bear |
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Description Species Range and Distribution Habitat Requirements and Feeding
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are the Author: Jana Milliken Site created by: Rachael McCormick Site Maintained by: Dr. Mark Wallace
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Description
The Black Bear, also called the American bear, is the most
common bear in North America. Color phases of this species include the
cinnamon bear and blue-black or blue-gray glacier bear (Britannica 1997).
Black bears range from 5 to 6 feet in length and can weigh from 200 to 600
pounds as an adult, with females usually smaller than males (Powell et.
al. 1997). The forelimbs are strong, enabling the black bear to climb
trees in search of food (Powell et. al. 1997). A unique feature of the
black bear is a projection of bone on the scapula, which provides a space
for muscle expansion as they lift themselves off the ground (Powell et.
al. 1997). A black bear can be recognized by its brown face, black body
with a white chest mark, and short tail (Britannica 1997). Black bears are
plantigrade, that is they walk on the palms of the feet (Powell et. al.
1997). Each foot has five toes and claws, the ears are round and
pronounced, and the eyes are brown (Powell et. al. 1997). |