Wildlife

The term "black" used to describe this species is not entirely accurate. Black bears come in a variety of colors from brown to gray with the occasional cream, although black with a brown muzzle is the most common. Average male Black bears weigh between 180 and 200 pounds, depending on the season, and stand over two feet tall at the shoulder. Females are usually around 120 to 150 pounds, also depending on the season.

Brown colored black bears may be mistaken for brown bears, although typically brown bears are much larger. Black bears have a small, pointed head with a straight profile. Brown bears have larger, more rounded heads and dish-shaped faces along with a distinctive hump on their shoulder that is lacking in the black bear.

Black bears are omnivorous. Vegetation makes up a substantial portion of the black bears' diet, which includes fish (in some areas), berries, and insects.

Breeding occurs June through July and the cubs are born in January or February. As black bears exhibit delayed implantation, cubs are born weighing only 8 to 10 ounces. Litter size varies from one to four, with twins being the most common. The cubs are usually weaned by September but will den with their mothers their second winter, after which they will be on their own. Females typically breed every other year; however, in good habitat areas, they can raise a litter every year.

Black bears are typically dormant during the winter months. Denning times can vary depending on location, snow levels, and temperature. The bears' metabolism and temperature are lowered during this dormant period, and their need for food and water eliminated. Black bears are not true hibernators. Bears in colder climates will remain in their dens longer, and males typically emerge before females.

Burt, William H. and Richard P. Grossenheider. 1980. Peterson field guide to mammals. Houghton Mifflin Company. Boston Massachusetts.

Alaska Geographic Society. 1996. Mammals of Alaska: a comprehensive field guide from the publishers of Alaska geographic. The Alaska Geographic Society. Anchorage Alaska.

For more information, visit the Alaska Department of Fish and Game's wildlife notebook pages.

Last updated: July 24, 2008