- North American Black Bear - Hauser Bears

The American Black Bear is considered stable throughout its range, although some estimates are not considered reliable. Some populations have recovered from initial losses over the last 20 years or so to become success stories in large mammal conservation. Careful monitoring of their number however needs to continue especially as long as a market for bear parts still flourishes in some parts of the world.

The American Black bear is found throughout North America and as far south as the mountainous regions of Northern Mexico. It is secure throughout most of its range at present and the population is estimated at around 900,000 individuals.

The American Black bear is the smallest of the North American bear species, measuring between 1.2m and 2m. Its weight varies greatly from population to population, but the male can reach up to 400kg. The female reaches sexual maturity between 2 and 4 years old and has a litter of 1 to 5 cubs, more usually 2. The cubs weigh between 280gr and 390gr at birth and stay with their mother for about a year and a half. The American Black bear is a very good climber and both cubs and adults often climb trees to escape danger. It has adapted to a wide range of habitats, from dense forests to agricultural areas.

It is omnivorous, eating mostly plants, insects and small animals such as rodents. It will also kill small or young ungulates such as deers. It is usually crepuscular but has adapted as an opportunistic feeder, raiding garbage at night.

The American Black bear is so far a success story for bear conservation. There are no declining populations of the American Black bear in North America (estimates for Mexico are less reliable), compared to declining populations in the 1970s. Regulated hunting takes place with some states allowing the sale of skulls and hides. It is clear however that higher profits for the sale of meat and gall bladders often motivate the kills. At present the population is able to absorb those losses but as Asian bear populations disappear, there is a concern that poaching will increase in healthy populations of the North American Black bears unless we can reduce the demand for such products.