Natural History

Throughout our history, humans have viewed black bears with fascination, awe, and sometimes fear. While the North American continent is home to three species of bears—black bears, brown (grizzly) bears, and polar bears—black bears are the most common species in the populated regions of the continent. As a result, black bears are often subject to exploitation by humans, including recreational hunting and poaching to supply the illegal trade in bear parts. As humans move into bear habitat, conflicts arise and black bears typically come out on the losing end. But humans know enough about bear behavior to develop a comprehensive strategy for solving these conflicts and peacefully coexisting with black bears.

Black bears were nearly extinct in Maryland—with only 12 bears remaining by the middle of the 20th century—but have made a remarkable comeback due to the 50-year prohibition on recreational hunting and the progressive state programs to preserve green space and wildlife habitat in Maryland. There is unanimity among wildlife biologists that Maryland’s bear population is not even close to approaching its biological carrying capacity, and that there is suitable bear habitat throughout Maryland for this healthy population. Maryland citizens are proud of our rich wildlife heritage and our efforts to bring back this unique species.

The black bear (Ursus americanus) is a large, charismatic mammal who prefers old forests dominated by hardwood trees and shrubs that produce the fruits, nuts, and other plant parts needed for food. The black bear prefers a rugged habitat consisting of dense thickets, some water sources, and rocky outcrops. The black bear’s range can vary widely, depending on availability of food sources, but typical core home ranges are two to fifteen miles. Bears have been recorded traveling well in excess of 100 miles to search for food in lean times.

Despite the name, the black bear has a light brown muzzle and a coat that varies in color from deep black to various shades of brown, cinnamon, and even white. Black bears in the eastern US tend to be black, while western black bears can exhibit a range of colors. The typical female weighs 100-180 pounds, while the male generally weighs 150-300 pounds.

Black bears have among the slowest reproduction rates of all North American mammals. Females do not breed for the first time until they are four to eight years old and produce a litter every two to four years. The size of the litter can be dramatically affected by the availability of food for the sow prior to hibernation; a comparatively thin female bear may only give birth to one cub, while a female with access to plenty of food in the fall may have two, three, or even four cubs.

While black bears are omnivorous, they prefer to eat fruits, nuts, and plants. Although their teeth, claws, strength, and size make them look like predators they seldom eat any animal larger than insects, preferring plants to meat. They can run quite quickly over short distances—a lean bear can run 30 miles per hour in a short burst.

Click here for information on black bear populations by state.