Oconto Falls

Physical Description

Black bears are usually black in color, particularly in eastern North America. They usually have a pale muzzle which contrasts with their darker fur and may sometimes have a white chest spot. Western populations are usually lighter in color, being more often brown, cinnamon, or blonde. Some populations in coastal British Columbia and Alaska are creamy white or bluish gray. Total body length in males ranges from 1400 to 2000 mm, and from 1200 to 1600 mm in females. Tail length ranges from 80 to 140 mm. Males weigh between 47 and 409 kg, females weigh between 39 and 236 kg. Although black bears can stand and walk on their hind legs it is more normal for them to walk on all fours. When they do stand, it is usually to get a better scent or to look at something. Their characteristic shuffling gait results from their plantigrade (flat-footed) walk, with the hind legs slightly longer than the forelegs. Another reason for the apparent shuffle is that they commonly walk with a pacing gait. Unlike many quadrupeds, the legs on one side move together instead of alternating, much like a pacer horse. Each paw has five long, strong claws used for tearing, digging, and climbing.

American Black Bear. (2008, June 4). In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved 02:48, June 5, 2008, from http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=American_Black_Bear&oldid=217063546
Dewey, T. and C. Kronk. 2007. "Ursus americanus" (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. Accessed February 14, 2009 at http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Ursus_americanus.html.