Black Bear Cubs

Black Bear Cubs can be a lovely and pathetic scene, but approaching baby Bears is extremely dangerous, since nursing females are notably aggressive toward anything and anyone approaching them. Statistically, more people fall victims to aggressive females defending their young than to males. Bears do not usually attack humans and prefer to avoid contact with them. However, today Bears appear to feel driven into a corner due to unending human expansion and deforestation, which has contributed to increased aggression toward humans.

The Black Bear (Ursus Americanus) can only be found in North America, so there is no use in trying to discover Black Bear Cubs elsewhere. This is the smallest Bear species in the world, its shoulder height averaging 2-3ft and nose-to-tail length amounting to 5-7ft; average body weight is 150-300 lbs (males), but some individuals can be much larger. Females are smaller than males. Black Bears, due to their relatively small body weight, are excellent climbers.

A Black Bear can be distinguished by its black coat, brown muzzle and occasional light-color markings on the chest. Black Bear Cubs are very similar to those of other Bear species. Black Bears can be found in forested areas throughout North America, from Canada in the North down to Mexico in the South. They used to be common all the way across the continent, but deforestation has resulted in a significant decrease in their population. However, they are not listed as endangered, since there are around 600,000 Black Bears in the wild in North America. However, Black Bears are listed as threatened in Louisiana and in Florida.

Black Bears are omnivorous, and they feed on various plants and ground mammals. They are renowned for their exceptional ability to adapt to various environments and climates. Black Bears are usually lone foragers, but may gather in groups in areas abounding in food. Bears inhabiting northern areas fall into winter sleep, but those living in areas with food available year round, may stay awake all the time. Females give birth to their young during winter sleep. Males do not take part in raising the cubs. Nursing females never get too far away from their dens, and are very protective around their young. Black Bears do not breed every year, and it takes at least 2 years for a female to come into heat again. In the wild, Black Bears live 25-30 years. Black Bear Cubs are weaned by approximately 8 months, and they leave the mother at 1-1.5 years old.