Black Bear
Ursus americanus

Body is black or cinnamon. Has keen sense of smell, climbs tress easily. Can run 30mph in short bursts, can range 15 miles. Dens under downed trees, hollow logs or trees or other shelter. Solitary, except when breeding and in garbage dumps. Mainly vegetarian, but also eats fish, small mammals, eggs, carrion, honeycomb, bees, garbage. Does not hibernate. In Fall, bears add a thick layer of fat to sustain them during winter sleep; bears without fat are active during winter. Mates June to July every other year. Two to three cubs born in winter den. Lifespan 30 years. "Bear Trees" have tooth marks as high as a bear stands, claw marks above to mark territory. Bears are dangerous when surprised, hungry, feeding, injured, or with cubs. Use of claws and pancreas as mythical aphrodisiacs is causing decline of bears outside parks.