American black bear

Scientific name: Ursus americanus

How weight is recorded: Whole weight

Field notes

Appearance

Black bears have a straight face profile, rounded ears, and a short tail; coat color ranges from black to cinnamon or blonde, often with a white chest blaze. Males are noticeably larger and more heavily built than females.

Size and weight

Males typically weigh 60–140 kg and measure 150–180 cm in body length; females weigh 40–80 kg and measure 130–160 cm.

Habitat

American black bears inhabit forested regions from sea level to high mountain elevations, preferring dense deciduous, coniferous, and mixed forests with abundant mast-producing trees and berry patches. They thrive in areas with minimal human disturbance and adequate cover.

Distribution

American black bears range across North America from Canada through the western United States, the Great Lakes region, and the Appalachian Mountains, occupying remote forested habitats.

Diet

Black bears are omnivorous, feeding on mast (acorns, nuts), berries, vegetation, insects, small mammals, and carrion, with seasonal emphasis on high-calorie foods before denning.

Behaviour

Black bears are primarily crepuscular and nocturnal, solitary except during mating season, and highly mobile; they establish home ranges and leave obvious feeding and travel sign.

Hunting tips

Look for five-toed tracks (front paws resemble human hands), overturned logs and rocks from foraging, claw marks on trees, and scat containing mast or vegetation. Approach into the wind through dense cover, moving slowly along ridges and near food sources; glass open areas during low-light hours and listen for breaking branches or feeding sounds.

Whole weight

This species is logged by whole weight — the animal weighed entire, as taken.

Where it is hunted

Listed as huntable in 2 countries in Huntify.

Names in other languages

These field notes are general species knowledge, not legal advice. Always check the current seasons, quotas and firearm rules where you hunt.