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Black Bear Ursus americanus Morphology: 60-65” (4” tail)

Black Bear Ursus americanus Morphology: 60-65” (4” tail) 200-400lbs (males ave. 500lb- larger than national ave.) Black (brown, cinnamon, blonde) Plantigrade Excellent smell, good vision and hearing Climb trees at all ages Male = Boar Females = Sow Young = Cub.

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Black Bear Ursus americanus Morphology: 60-65” (4” tail)

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  1. Black Bear • Ursus americanus • Morphology: • 60-65” (4” tail) • 200-400lbs (males ave. 500lb- larger than national ave.) • Black (brown, cinnamon, blonde) • Plantigrade • Excellent smell, good vision and hearing • Climb trees at all ages • Male = Boar • Females = Sow • Young = Cub

  2. Habitat • Poconos & North Central PA • Mixed forests, swamps and thickets (adaptable)

  3. Feeding Behavior • Omnivores (PA’s largest carnivore) • Active in spring & fall • Why? Spring - lose 30% of body weight during “hibernation” • Fall - Build up 4” fat • (blueberries, insect larvae juneberries, beechnuts, acorn, skunk cabbage)

  4. Reproductive Strategies/Population Dynamics/Life History: • Breed in June and July [female in heat for 2-3 weeks] • Delayed implantation - 6-7 mo. gestation but young develop for ~ only 6 weeks • Cubs - most born in January (in the den) • - can’t see, hear, or smell: “heat seekers” • - age determined by hair length • Breed once every 2 years • 1-3 cubs (k- selective)

  5. Other Notes and Distinguishing Features: • Regulated hunting season (3 days / extended in some areas) • Check stations (hunters harvest 3000-4500/year statewide) • “Mark” trees, wallows • Can run 30 mph • Gary Alt – ex PGC biologist • 8,500 +/- in Pa (~ 20,000 carrying capacity) • Aged by “rings” in teeth. (1st upper premolar)

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