Black bear cub in a tree. Mother bears will often send their cubs up into the safety of a tree if larger bears (who might seek to injure the cubs) are nearby. Black bears have sharp claws and, in spite of their size, are expert tree climbers.
Image ID: 18746
Species: American black bear, Ursus americanus
Location: Orr, Minnesota, USA
This is a “spring cub”, an American black bear (Ursus americanus) cub that was born this spring. It will remain with its mother for about a year. At this size it is completely dependent on its mother for everything. A black bear cub is a natural climber and it is common for them to scamper 40 – 60′ up a tree trunk to avoid danger. Wedging itself in the crook of a branch, the cub will remain in the tree for hours until its mother grunts at the base of the tree, indicating it is time to come down.
