American Black Bear

Description:

Black bears are medium-sized bears found in North America. The term "black" is a bit of a misnomer as these bears may be brown (cinammon), black, or even white (Kermode). Black bears may weight as much as 600 pounds, but most are much smaller. Males tend to be larger than the females.

Habitat:

Forests in North America.

Notes:

This black bear, which is a cinnamon or brown color phase, was photographed in northern Minnesota several years ago. It had climbed a tree to avoid a larger bear that was approaching on the ground. It is amazing to me that such large animals are so at ease in the trees, often balancing on branches that look far to small to support them.