Black Bear Bio

Description:
Adult Males 120 kg to 300 kg (250 to 650 lbs) in weight, 130 to 190 cm (4 to 6 feet) in length. Adult Females 45 to 180 kg (100 to 400 lbs), 110 to 170 cm (3.5 to 5.5 feet) in lenght. Height at shoulder for males is 60 to 90 cm (2 to 3 feet) and approximately 60cm (2 feet) for females. Adult males reach their growth peak at seven to eight years of age and Females peak at five years. Both sexes are predominately glossy black with a small white patch on chest and brownish snout, while a small percentage (less than 5) are brown to light brown. There are some albino or blond black bears, however they are very rare.

There is nothing in the forest as black as a black bear.

Population:
The Ontario black bear numbers in the range of 75 000 to 100 000 animals and are estimated to be in the range of 40 to 60 bears per 100kms (60miles) in northern Ontario.

The annual harvest is approx. 4900 animals, which indicates the population per harvest ratio is very sustainable and is one of the most sustainable in North America. For a bear population density map visit bears.mnr.gov.on.ca/density.html.

Habitat:
Found in most parts of Ontario except far north and lower southern areas. Prefers mixed forest with some open areas(marsh and beaver meadow)and moderate aged as opposed to old growth stands. Can be found in almost any cover type and will swim great distances to mate or find suitable forage.
Ranges for males is approximately 100 to 200 square kms( 60 to 125miles) and for females 10 to 40 square kms ( 4 to 16 miles).

Interesting facts:
• Average life span 10 to 15 years, some over 40 years old
• Fat content of bear milk 25%( humans 4%)
• Mortality of young is one of every three before one year old
• Up to 90% of diet is vegetarian
• Sleeps up to one third of it's life span
• Over 95% survive through hibernation period
• Gives birth during hibernation period.