This is the most common species of bear found on the north American continent, inhabiting a wide range from northern Alaska, throughout the mid-west and Rocky mountains down to Mexico, as well as most areas stretching from the Atlantic to the Pacific oceans. Most black bears are found in the protected wildlife parks and preserves, although they often stray off, sometimes into urban areas to scavenge. Unlike its cousin the brown bear, the black bear is a true American native and is said to have evolved in North America about two million years ago.
The adult black bear ranges in size but is usually about 5 to 6 feet in length, stands at 2.5 to 3 feet at the shoulder and weighs anywhere between 250 to 600 pounds. Female bears are approximately 33% smaller than the males. They vary vastly in colour; from white to chocolate, cinnamon to blonde and black, occasionally a 'V' shaped white chest blaze is seen.
The black bear is omnivorous, whilst most of its diet is composed of vegetable matter such as herbs, nuts and berries, about 15% of its food is drawn from animal sources; insects, fish, rodents, and sometimes larger prey such as deer fawns and elk calves.
There exists a strong connection between the American black bear and the United Kingdom in that their pelt-fur is still used to make the traditional bearskin hats of H.M. Queen Elizabeth's Guards, including the Irish, Scots, Welsh, Grenadier and Coldstream regiments.
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