California
Ursus americanus   1-Tom Brakefield, California Academy of Sciences 2-Arizona Game and Fish Department | |
| Type of Animal: | Mammals |
|---|---|
| Class: | Mammalia |
| Order: | Carnivora |
| Family: | Ursidae |
| Federal Status: | |
| State Status: | |
| Occurrence: | |
| Habitat: | Forest,Woodland,Mountains |
| Description: | Black bears, also known as American black bears, are intriguing animals that capture the attention of almost anyone who sees one. They are mostly nocturnal, but they can occasionally be seen during the day. They are clumsy walkers, but do not be fooled by that - these large mammals can run at speeds up to 30 miles per hour! They are also good swimmers and climbers. Despite the name, black bars are found in a variety of colors ranging from black to brown, blond, or cinnamon. These bears feast on roots, leaves, nuts, and fruit. They even strip the bark off of trees to get to the soft wood inside. They also eat bugs, fish, and a few small mammals. Bears are also well-known for eating honey, bees, and bee larvae. During the summer and fall they begin eating more and gaining weight to help them survive through winter hibernation. One of their favorite places to hibernate is in hollowed out trees, but they will also use hollow logs and caves. Black bears mate between June and July and the young are born in the following winter. Females usually have one cub the first time they breed, but in following years they may have up to five young in each litter. The young may nurse for up to one year. In some areas bears have become a problem. As they find food in urban areas they lose their fear of humans and could become quite aggressive. For this reason, people who live in areas where bears are present should make their garbage cans bear-proof and keep their land clean. When camping, food should be stored in lockers that are specially designed to keep bears out. If the lockers are not available the food should be kept in the trunks of cars. As long as bears are not invited into areas inhabited by humans, they will maintain their fear of humans. Unfortunately, many bears are shot by people who are afraid of them, but chances are the bear was also scared and would have retreated. Most black bears are timid animals and will not fight unless threatened. Bears are hunted in some areas for their fur, meat, and their gall bladders (there is a high demand for black bear gall bladders in Asia, but killing them strictly for this purpose is illegal). In some states the black bear has been listed as threatened, but the California population is healthy. |
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| References: | Jameson et al. 1988. California Mammals. Wilson et al. (editors). 1999. The Smithsonian Book of North American Mammals. Whitaker (editor). 1998. National Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Mammals, Revised Edition. Zeiner et al. (editors). 1990. California’s Wildlife, Volume III, Mammals. |
| Other Sites: | Keep me wild (California Dept. of Fish and Game) Information, short sound clip - Smithsonian National Museum |
| Field Office(s): | Arcata; Bakersfield; Barstow; Eagle Lake; Mother Lode; Hollister; Palm Springs; Redding; Ridgecrest; Ukiah |