Black bears are the most abundant and adaptable bear in its family and therefore are widely distributed (Youth 1999). They are the smallest on the North American continent though its species Ursus americanus has several subspecies in B.C. (Blood, Black Bears in British Columbia 2001). Most bears are black, hence the name black bear, however, they can have a variety of different shades of brown coat and sometimes even white (Blood, Black Bears in British Columbia 2001).
These bears become sexually mature once they reach the age range of 3-4 years with females reproducing every 2-3 years (Bears in Mountain National Park 2016). The mother can give birth to 1-5 cubs per litter, however, 2 is the norm (Black Bears 2014). The cubs remain with their
These bears become sexually mature once they reach the age range of 3-4 years with females reproducing every 2-3 years (Bears in Mountain National Park 2016). The mother can give birth to 1-5 cubs per litter, however, 2 is the norm (Black Bears 2014). The cubs remain with their