Black Bear Ursus americanus

Identification
This large mammal has black fur and a short tail. Juveniles may climb trees when threatened.

Location
Rare visitor

Size
150 to 400 pounds

Diet
It feeds on berries nuts insects and carrion.

Habitat
It occurs occasionally in forests and rural areas.

Activity Period
Year round

Behavior
It is omnivorous and highly mobile and may travel long distances. It is active from spring through autumn.

Lifecycle
Breeding occurs in summer and cubs are born in winter dens.

Population
The population is small and transient.

History
It was once extirpated but individuals now disperse into Ohio.

Human Interactions
It avoids humans but may raid garbage.

Facts
It is capable of standing upright to investigate scents.

Sources
ODNR NatureServe

Berries nuts insects carrion | Forests swamps rural areas | Scattered sightings