10 Facts American Black Bear

The American black bear is a medium-sized bear that lives in North America. We bring you ten facts about this bear:

1. Smallest and most numerous
The black bear is the smallest but also the most numerous bear on the American continent. May be encountered in the forests of North America, and also including parts of Mexico.

2. 16 subspecies
There are 16 subspecies of the American black bear, the most popular subspecies are Ursus americanus californiensis (know as California black bear that can be found in mountain ranges of southern California) and Ursus americanus luteolus (known as Louisiana black bear, can be found in southern region of the United States in area of Louisiana state).

3. Different shades of black color
Although American black bears are generally members of a single species, their black color shade varies greatly, even among members of the same litter. They often have white markings on the chest, sometimes in the form of V. Because of this they are often called cinnamon, blue-gray, blue-black or white bear.

4. Classified as beast
Although it is classified among the beasts, the black bear is actually omnivores, and in the spring eat most plants and carcasses that have died during the winter.

5. Overweight and fertility
In the females overweight before winter is linked to its fertility, more obesity females give birth more and bigger cubs.

6. Do not live in a pack or pair
Black bears do not live in a pack, but are individuals who are not related to its territory, but prefer to walk around the large area in search for food.

7. Unpredictable and dangerous
These bears might appear cute, cuddly and playful, but just like all bears, they can be unpredictable and dangerous. Apparently they have bad eyesight. Their small, pointed nose and long nostrils are designed to reinforce their sense of smell.

8. They can run 30 miles per hour
Seemingly moving awkwardly, but they are very fast. Were recorded that at short distances some of these bears reach a speed of over 30 miles per hour (50 kilometers per hour).

9. High up to 3 meters
When the male of this unusual bear stood up on its hind legs, can be high up to 3 meters, but most often it is the height of about 2.5 meters and weigh 200-500 pounds (100 to 220 kilos). Adult females are long between 130 and 190 centimeters and weight 120 to 330 kilos (50 to 170 kilos).

10. They kill people
Wild American black bears annually kills one to two people. In the past five years have killed 6 people, in area of British Columbia, Alaska, Alberta and New Jersey.