- SCIENTIFIC NAME
- Ursus americanus
- CLASSIFICATION
- Mammal
- LIFE SPAN
- 3-30 Years
- SIZE
- 47-79 ” | 85-900 lbs
- STATE CONSERVATION STATUS
-
- State Protected
- FEDERAL CONSERVATION STATUS
- Least Concern
- GAME STATUS
- Game
- GAME TYPE
- Big Game
- Washoe
- Humboldt
- Pershing
- Churchill
- Mineral
- Lyon
- Douglas
- Carson City
- Storey
- Elko
- Lander
- Eureka
- White Pine
- Esmeralda
- Nye
- Lincoln
- Clark
Habitat & Range
Black Bears are found in the mountainous areas and foothills of the Sierra Nevada and Lake Tahoe areas. Rivers and streams provide a source of food, while forested areas offer cover.
- Upland Forests
Threats
- Human Conflict
Natural History
Black Bears are solitary animals, meeting only for the breeding season. Female Black Bears can have 1 to 5 cubs at a time and can reproduce every other year so long as there is enough food during the fall to support pregnancy. Black Bears are omnivores, though 85% of their diet is plant-based. During the fall, Black Bears go through a period called hyperphagia. During this time, their appetites go into hyper drive. They can consume 8,000 to 20,000 calories each day in order to put on enough fat to hibernate. If a winter is particularly mild or there is enough food in their territory, Black Bears do not have to hibernate. They can also wake during hibernation and move about their den or give birth.
Fun Facts
OTHER Species
