North American Black Bear
- Ursus americanus
- The smallest North American bear species standing at 4 ½ -6 feet tall and weighing 200- 600 lbs.
- They live in forested areas throughout North America from northern Mexico to the frozen tundra.
- Their omnivorous diet consists of fruits, berries, nuts, acorns, grass and roots, but will also eat insects, fish, rodents, carrion and occasionally large mammals. Carrion is the carcass of a dead animal that becomes food for other animals.
- Most North American black bears are black, but can be found with tan, brown or cinnamon brown fur.
- As very good climbers, they will quickly scale a tree to avoid a predator if they cannot outrun it.
- Populations have declined due to habitat loss and hunting, although still common in several areas throughout North America.
Location at Palm Beach Zoo
- The Florida wetland section of the Zoo.
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