Ursus americanus, The
black bear ranges across forested Canada from Newfoundland
to British Columbia as well as much
of the United States.
A solitary animal most of the year, they pair up briefly during
the mating season. Cubs remain with their mother for about
a year, who protects which prevents them from being killed
by the adult males.
Black bears swim well and often
climb trees to feed on buds and fruit. They have a keen sense
of
smell, acute hearing,
but poor eyesight. They can be seen at any hour of the day,
but are most active at night. When very young, the cubs cry
when afraid and hum when contented.
Black bears are
omnivorous; their diet consists of about 75 percent vegetable
matter, 15 percent
carrion, and 10 percent
insects and small mammals. Their love for honey is well known,
and sweet, ripe corn in autumn also attracts them.
They
have few enemies, but the one they fear the most is the Grizzly.
Whenever their territories overlap, the latter is
given a wide berth. |