Black bear portrait. American black bears range in color from deepest black to chocolate and cinnamon brown. They prefer forested and meadow environments. This bear still has its thick, full winter coat, which will be shed soon with the approach of summer.
Image ID: 18742
Species: American black bear, Ursus americanus
Location: Orr, Minnesota, USA
In spite of her color, this beautiful cinnamon-colored sow (see her little cub?) is an American black bear (Ursus americanus), not a brown or grizzly bear (Ursus arctos). Black bears range in color from deep black to chocolate, cinnamon and red shades. She will keep her cubs with her through next winter, close by her except when she leaves them in a tree for safety when she needs time alone. For now they are totally dependent on her ability to forage for food and find protection, and to teach them these skills. By next spring she will have “kicked out” the cubs, who by that time will be yearlings and able to fend for themselves.
