Although black bears can be found in various habitats, they prefer forested areas where they can hunt for food and hibernate in the winter. Black bears climb trees and forage for food, remembering what their mother taught them as a cub. At mealtimes, bears eat plants, insects or meat, giving them the name omnivores. Like Winnie the Pooh, black bears love honey and eat larva in much the same way. Often, black bears share land with cougars and brown bears. At a seven foot standing height and weight of six hundred pounds, black bears also have five claws per paw to show off.

Fun Facts: The mascot "Smokey Bear" is based on an actual black bear cub found after a forest fire.

Zoological Name: Ursus americanus

Conservation Status: Common

Primary Habitat: Mountains and Forest

Global Home: Americas