Litter size ranges from 1 to 4 young, averaging from 1.4 in Arkansas to 3.0 in Pennsylvania. First litters may be small, sometimes a single cub. Two or 3 cubs are typical thereafter. Five-cub litters are uncommon; extraordinary litters of 6 cubs have been reported in Manitoba and Pennsylvania. Average litter sizes in 2 Massachusetts study areas were 2.0 and 3.0. Two 5-cub litters have been reported in Massachusetts, once in the den and another in the field.

Black bears undoubtedly evolved as a forest animal and are anatomically and behaviorally adapted to forests. These adaptations convey survival advantage in response to threats of predation on the young. Tree-climbing ability is apparent in cubs when they first emerge from the den and they will quickly climb when a threat appears. The sow need only wait nearby and return after the threat passes, thus protecting both herself and her young without direct confrontation. See similar questions...

This question is asked a lot. The answer varies some depending on the time of year. At his hibernation weight going into early winter (November - December) our best guess is around 500 pounds. His summer weight could be as much as 70 pounds less than that. See similar questions...

A female black bear can produce a litter of up to five cubs every 2 years. The average number of cubs is 2 or 3. In Minnesota, 2.5 is average. Cubs are born in January or February. They rely on their mother's body heat for warmth and her rich milk (33% fat) for food until it is time to emerge from the den in the spring. The black bear is the only mammal to lactate (produce milk) for about 3 months without eating. See similar questions...

Bears are adaptable, curious, capable of rapid learning, have excellent long-term memories and exhibit a wide degree of behavioral "plasticity" (i.e., ability to adapt their behavior to changing circumstances). These behavioral characteristics are integral to understanding and managing many problem bear situations. Vocalizations, gestures, and mock charges are typical expressions of frustration, conflict, and stress. See similar questions...

Attacks or threatened "bluff" attacks in campgrounds, along roadsides, or similar developed areas usually occur because people are too close to the bear, or because the bear wants the person's food items. Backing away while keeping an eye on the bear usually addresses the animal's concern about your proximity to it. If the bear is persistent in its attempts to get your food, it is best to comply. Report the bear's behavior to officials. See similar questions...

The degree and nature of bear vocalizations depends on the species. Black bears are presumed to be more vocal than brown bears because black bears are a forest species and cannot see long distances. Other forest-dwelling bears, such as spectacled and sloth bears, are also quite vocal. Black bears communicate using a variety of sounds, as well as gestures, stances, and signs or marks. See similar questions...

Black bears occur throughout a wide range of habitats and climatic conditions in North America. Denning (and hibernation) is probably a behavioral response which allows the bears to survive unfavorable winter weather and a periodic lack or scarcity of food. A reasonable hypothesis thus proposes that black bears select dens to facilitate energy conservation, and hence survival of the bears and their young. See similar questions...

Black bears can run surprisingly fast. Unless the person is very close to a vehicle or sturdy structure, and the bear is far away, it can easily catch the person if it wants to. While most bears are tolerant, food-conditioned bears may be aggressive and chase people who intrude on the animal's personal space, or to get people to drop or throw food items. Consequently, it is unwise to run from a black bear. See similar questions...

Black bears are considered a "game" animal or "furbearer" and are hunted during regulated seasons in 27 states and 12 Canadian provinces. Season length, timing, bag limits, methods of take, reporting and tagging requirements, and other provisions vary. There are several books-of varying quality-describing bear hunting experiences and techniques. Massachusetts has a split season with 17 days in September and 18 days in November. Bait, hounds, and hunting during deer shotgun season are prohibited. See similar questions...

According to Mr L.H. Ladner whose family has owned these dogs for several generations, the Black Mouth Cur was called a black mouth due to the black lips around the mouth. The lips are black because they have no fur to hide the intense pigmentation of the skin. The dark coloring continues into the mouth pigmenting the inside fleshy mouth parts with the exception of the tongue. It is thought by some that the dark skin helps prevent sunburn. See similar questions...

Despite the remarkable recovery and restoration of the black bear throughout much of North America, we should not become complacent. Both in the long term and the short term, there are direct and indirect threats to black bears, their habitats, and to the environment as a whole. See similar questions...

In East Tennessee, the most reliable place to see a black bear is to visit the Knoxville Zoo. Their bear habitat, Black Bear Falls, is a first rate natural setting. If you are in North Carolina, you may also want to vist Mimi in her new home. Most people are surprised at how difficult it is to get a good photograph of a bear or wild animal. Good wildlife photographers know the secret to a good photograph is to be quiet and patient and let the bear come within your photographic range. See similar questions...

The size of the home range varies depending upon the abundance of food. In an area with lots of berry and nut producing plants a territory will be smaller than in an area with scarce food supplies. Yearling females often share the territory of their mothers, but young males may travel far to find their own territories. In Minnesota, a sow's home range is 2-6 square miles. The breeding territory of an adult male can cover over 100 square miles to overlap with many female home ranges. See similar questions...

Black Bear Adventures has been in business and operating bicycle tours for 6 years. We are a small family owned business and you will always deal directly with the owners of the company. See similar questions...

Black Bear Adventures is not liable for bodily injury or property damage as a result of (but not limited to): physical exertion for which a guest is not prepared; forces of nature; travel by plane, train, auto, boat or other conveyance, or by bicycle, foot or other form of active or adventure travel; consumption of alcoholic beverages; civil unrest; terrorism; breakdown of equipment; high altitude; lack of or limited access to medical attention in remote locations; and the adequacy of medical at. See similar questions...

Yes. The North American black bear is found only on this continent in association with forested landscapes. Scientists have identified 11 different subspecies of black bear, including the Kermode or spirit bear, in which about 1 bear in 10 is white or cream coloured. It is the unusually high occurrence of white bears in the population that makes the spirit bear unique, as white bears do occur very rarely in other populations of black bears in North America. See similar questions...

A bear, for the purposes of this website, is a large, hirsute gay man. That's the simple answer... it is actually more than that. There are, of course, lots of different types of bears. See similar questions...