The Black Bear

From: www.dnr.state.md.us/wildlife/fs/blackbear.html 1/29/06

What do they look like?
The black bear is a large bodied (male: 150 to 300 lbs.; female: 100 to 180 lbs.), dark brown to black mammal. All black bears are characterized by a light brown muzzle; some individuals may have a white patch on the chest.

What do they eat?
The black bear's uncanny sense of smell is used for finding the fruits, nuts, plants, and insect larve that they like to eat. Although their teeth, claws, strength, and size make them look like predators, they seldom eat anything larger than insects, preferring plants to meat.

What other kind of bears live in Maryland?
The black bear is the only bear in Maryland.

I didn't know that!
Cubs are born blind and hairless in late January or early February, while the mother sleeps in her winter den. Females seldom have cubs until they are three of four years old, and most give birth every two years.

You can help preserve the Maryland Black Bear through the Black Bear Conservation Program!

Where are they found?
Black bears prefer large, forested areas. Maryland's best bear habitat is found in Garrett county where expansive hardwood forests are interspersed with a dense rhododendron understory, and valuable wetlands. Bears are also found in limited numbers throughout the forests of Allegany, Washington, and Frederick Counties. Occasionally, a wandering young bear will find its way into metropolitan areas.

Index Page