Black Bears

Ursus americanus

The smallest and most common bear in North America, the American black bear lives in many areas within the North Cascades ecosystem. As omnivores, their diet consists of vegetation in the form of roots, young shoots from trees, shrubs, berries, fruits, grasses, nuts and buds, along with insects and even the occasional carcass. They also raid the nut caches of squirrels, steal eggs from bird nests, and dig honeycombs out from trees. Black bears remain dormant in dens for the winter months, reducing their metabolism and going without eating, drinking, urinating or defecating until spring.

Color: Can be black, blonde, brown, or cinnamon in color

Weight: Adult males 180-250 lbs., sometimes up to 400 lbs.; females 120-180 lbs.

Top speed: 35 mph

Lifespan: Average is 18 years, some live as long as 25 years

Appearance: Snout is straight from tip of nose to ears. Ears are relatively large and round. Claws are short (about 1.5 inches) and curved, making them good for climbing trees.

Habitat: Black bears spend most of their time in forests but move around looking for food. They can also be found in avalanche chutes, mountain meadows, or areas where berry bushes are plentiful.

Diet: A black bear's diet changes with the seasons. In the spring bears eat mostly grasses; in the summer they like leafy, green plants and fruits; and in the fall they look for berries and nuts. They will also eat fruits, insects, honey, eggs, carrion, rodents, and young deer or elk when available.

Reproduction: Mating season typically takes place in July. Adult females breed about every 4 years and give birth to 1-3 cubs in their winter den in January. Cubs weigh 1 lb. at birth but can weigh as much as 165 lbs. (if good food sources are available) by their first fall. Cubs stay with their mother for about 2 years. Females often have their cubs when they are about 6 years old.

 

Recreating in Bear Country

Bears are large and potentially dangerous animals. Read more about wildlife safety before your visit. Report any bear or unusual animal sightings immediately.

Never leave food, garbage, or anything used to prepare, consume, store, or transport food unattended. This includes your backpack or day pack. Secure all food and odorous items safely and pack out all garbage. Other scented items include toiletries, feminine products, sunscreen, etc.

Carry bear spray, keep it accessible, and know how to use it.

This aerosol pepper spray temporarily incapacitates bears. It is an effective, non-toxic, and non-lethal means of deterring aggressive bears. Under no circumstances should bear spray create a false sense of security or serve as a substitute for practicing standard safety precautions.

Bear spray is intended to be sprayed into the face of an oncoming bear. Factors influencing effectiveness include distance, wind, rain, temperature extremes, and product shelf life. It is not intended to act as a repellent. Do not spray gear or your camp with bear spray. Pre-sprayed objects may instead attract bears.

 

While in Camp

Camps, campgrounds, and developed areas can remain unattractive to bears if each visitor manages food and trash properly.

• Keep a clean camp. Never improperly store or leave food unattended.

• All edible items, food containers (empty or not), cookware (clean or not), and trash (including feminine hygiene products) must be stored in a vehicle or designated food locker or hung when not in use, both day and night.

• Do not throw any food or garbage into pit toilets.

• Monitor your camp or campsite for signs of bears and for careless campers nearby. Notify park staff of any potential problems.

Help us keep people and wildlife safe by reporting bear sightings and encounters at visitor contact station or by email.