MAMMALS: BEARS

American Black Bear, Ursus americanus

Family Ursidae (Bears)

Size: 3' tall at the shoulder; 6' tall standing (males larger than females)

Range: Central and western Colorado

Habitat: Forests, mountain valleys, open range

Although the smallest bear in North America, the American black bear is still heavy (up to 600 pounds) and lumbering, with thick (but not humped) shoulders, short legs, and small ears and tail. There is variation across its range, but in Colorado its color is black or cinnamon brown, with a light brown muzzle and sometimes a white patch on the chest. Black bears feed mostly at night, covering large areas while foraging for plants, roots, berries, grubs, and occasionally small animals, fish, and carrion. The black bear is usually solitary, except in mating season or when in family units consisting of cubs and a mother. The bear spends most of the winter hibernating in a den, but can be aroused quickly.