American black bear populations are healthy, but threats include conflicts with people and poaching for body parts, some of which are used in traditional Chinese medicine.
What They Eat
These omnivores eat a variety of plants, fruits, nuts, insects, fish and mammals. Their diet varies by season, geography and accessibility. Unfortunately, garbage cans and bird feeders are often more convenient.
Where They Live
Throughout the United States, Canada and northern Mexico; black bears live in a variety of wooded and swampy habitats with dense cover. In Minnesota, they are concentrated more in northern counties.
What They Do
Mostly solitary, bears roam long distances in the fall to find food— especially acorns and other nuts—to increase fat reserves for winter. Mothers give birth to and nurse 2-5 cubs that are born during hibernation.
During a bear’s hibernation its body temperature drops about 10 – 12 degrees and its metabolic rate is reduced only by about half. Bears do not eat, defecate, or urinate during hibernation. As cold weather approaches, the black bear forages selectively on the richest food to build up fat adding four inches of fat and gaining 2–3 pounds a day.
How They’re Doing
There are twice as many black bears as all other bear species combined. Many populations are actually increasing.
Where in the World
North America
Habitat
Temperate Forest/Taiga Prairie/Steppe
Conservation Status
Animal Facts
Length: 4 to 6 ft nose to tail
Weight:200-600 lbs
Lifespan: generally 20 years, up to 35 in zoos
Taxonomic Category
Mammal, carnivore
Where at the Zoo
Names:
Female (black): Tiva (translation: “dance”)
Male (brown): Syke (translation: “he who sits at home”)
Male (black): Kuruk (translation: “bear”)
Background Information:
Orphaned in the Leech Lake Area of Minnesota
Estimated birthdates: February-March, 2010
Did You Know?
Black bears are generally more shy than brown bears.
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