American Black Bear

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American Black Bear (Ursus americanus) is a bear that lived in North America. This bear is a least-concern animal (listed by IUCN). This bear still have connection with grizzly bear and panda, although they are from different parts of world. The scientific classification for this bear is :
  • Kingdom : Animalia
  • Class        : Mammalia
  • Phylum    : Chordata
  • Ordo        : Carnivora
  • Family     : Ursidae
  • Genus      : Ursus
  • Species    : Ursus americanus
American Black bear map.png
    Distribution of american black bear habitats
    From the name, Ursus americanus, we can conclude that this bear lived in America, specificly in North America, and still have family connection with panda in same family, Ursidae. The species of American black bear (Ursus americanus) has so many subspecies, like Ursus americanus carlottae, Ursus americanus amblyceps, etc.

    This bear size is small, the smaller bear in America, but bigger than sun bear. The length of this bear is about 2,62 up to 3,17 meters. The skulls of American black bears are broad, with narrow muzzles and large jaw hinges. The bear have claws, like many other bears. Their claws are used to climb trees and protect themself from threat. The foreclaws are more sharp than behind. Their claws are typically black or grayish-brown. The claws are short and rounded, being thick at the base and tapering to a point. Claws from both hind and front legs are almost identical in length, though the foreclaws tend to be more sharply curved. The paws of the species are relatively large, with a rear foot length of 13.7 to 22.5 cm (5.4 to 8.9 in), which is proportionately larger than other medium-sized bear species, but much smaller than the paws of large adult brown, and especially polar, bears. The soles of the feet are black or brownish and are naked, leathery and deeply wrinkled. The hind legs are relatively longer than those of Asian black bears. The vestigial tail is usually 4.8 inches (120 mm) long. The ears are small and rounded and are set well back on the head.

    American black bears are very strong. They could turn over a rock that weight about 145 kg only with one foot. They could run up to 48 km/h. Adult males typically weigh between 57–250 kg , while females weigh 33% less at 41–170 kg. They are omnivores, like eating fish and fruits.

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    American black bear bring a fish for eat.

    Like other bears, this bear could be really aggressive if they are feel threatened, or someone disturb their baby. There are so many case where human attacked by american black bear, for example the woman killed by an american black bear in Canada.

    American black bear have better eyesight and better sense of hearing compared to human. They are a strong swimmer too, especially for searching for food. And they like to climb a tree for feed, hibernate, and escape from enemy.

    American black bear hibernate just like other bear in winter. During hibernate, their body's temperature are cooling down until 31° C. After hibernate, their body's temperature is come back normal again.

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    Baby of american black bear.

    Sows usually produce their first litter at the age of three to five years, with those living in more developed areas tending to get pregnant at younger ages. The breeding period usually occurs in the June–July period, though it can extend to August in the species' northern range. The breeding period lasts for two to three months. Both sexes are promiscuous. Males try to mate with several females, but large, dominant ones may violently claim a female if another mature male comes near. Sows tend to be short-tempered with their mates after copulating. The fertilized eggs undergo delayed development and do not implant in the female's womb until November. The gestation period lasts 235 days and litters are usually born in late January to early February. Litter size is between one and six cubs, typically two or three. At birth, cubs weigh 280–450 g (0.62–0.99 lb) and measure 20.5 cm (8.1 in) in length. They are born with fine, gray, down-like hair and their hind quarters are underdeveloped. They typically open their eyes after 28–40 days and begin walking after five weeks. Cubs are dependent on their mother's milk for 30 weeks and will reach independence at 16–18 months. At the age of six weeks, they attain 900 g (2.0 lb), by the age of eight weeks they reach 2.5 kg (5.5 lb) and by the age of six months they weigh 18 to 27 kg (40 to 60 lb). They reach sexual maturity at the age of three years and attain their full growth at the age of five years.

     Question related to this text :
    1. What is the diet of american blackl bear?
    2. Where is the american black bear habitat?
    3. What is the genus and famili from american black bear?
    4. What is the biological name for american black bear?
    5. Is ursus americanus charlottae is a subspecies from american black bear? 

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