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American black bear Ursus americanus
Black bears are the smallest and most common of the three bear species found in North America. They range from northern Canada to central Mexico in a wide variety of habitats. Their success comes from their broad omnivorous diet, adaptable behavior patterns, and lack of natural enemies. Their main predator is man, but they also do well in the presence of humans, which generally deters other predators such as wolves and mountain lions. Black bears also feed on human refuse and make use of man-made structures as shelter.
Black bears live about 10 years in the wild and up to 30 in captivity. They range in size from about 80 pounds up to 800 for truly huge males. Despite their name, black bears can vary in color from individual to individual, from cinnamon in color to deep blue-black. Rare white black bears are even reported. Human encounters with bears are statistically much more likely to be lethal for the bear. Black bear attacks on humans are extremely rare.
Two American black bears are the newest zoo animals at Zoo New England. Bubba and Smoky (pictured) were orphaned wild bears discovered in Georgia and raised by the good folks at the Appalachian Bear Rescue. Wildlife officials determined that the cubs were unreleasable, and that they would have to be placed at a zoo or euthanized. The two year old brothers are on display in a newly built exhibit at Stone Zoo, on the former location of the polar bear exhibit, where the beloved polar bear Major lived until his death in 2000.
About urban black bears.
More black bear information.
( More pictures of Smoky exploring his new home )
