The North American black bear is the smallest of the three bear species found in North America. The black bear has a brown face but apart from that is black all over. The black bears are very adaptable and can live in many different types of habitat such as forests, high plains and even near meadows and fields. They tend to be solitary creatures except when the female bear has young, called cubs, which stay with her for up to 18 months.

In colder climes, such as Canada, the black bears hibernate or sleep during the winter. In warmer areas they may only hibernate for short periods or not at all.

Found in North America Life span: 20 – 25 years

Height: 60cm – 1m at shoulder

Weight: 140kg Eating habits: omnivorous

Favourite food: fruit, honey, insects, salmon, small mammals

Special features: excellent swimmers and climbers

Status: threatened in some southern states of America