Eastern black bear
A species of Bear Scientific name : Ursus americanus americanus Genus : Bear
Eastern black bear, A species of Bear
Scientific name: Ursus americanus americanus
Genus: Bear
Content
Description General Info
Description
Eastern black bear occupies a critical role in its habitat, manipulating ecosystems via its omnivorous diet that includes plants, insects, small mammals, and occasionally larger prey. Exceptionally, it uses a unique delayed implantation of fertilized eggs to time birth for optimal conditions. Known for its surprisingly strong swimming abilities, eastern black bear often inhabits areas near water bodies.
General Info
Lifespan
20-30 years
Diet
Eastern black bear is an omnivorous creature, chiefly feeding on nuts and fruits, such as acorns, hickory nuts, and berries. It also consumes insects, amphibians, and small mammals when available.
Appearance
Eastern black bear is a large, robust mammal covered in thick, coarse fur. Its body color is predominantly black, interrupted by a tan-colored muzzle and occasionally, a patch of white on the chest. It has a prominent snout, round ears, and small eyes. Its distinguishing feature is its short, non-retractable claws, useful for climbing and digging. There are no significant visual dissimilarities attributable to age, sex, or subspecies.
Behavior
Eastern black bear, predominantly solitary, engages in both diurnal and nocturnal activities. Notably, they mark their territories with scent and tracks, particularly during mating season. They display omnivorous feeding habits, foraging for a diverse array of plant and animal-based foods. Notably, eastern black bear do not hibernate but enter long periods of dormancy during winter.