Black bear walking in a grassy meadow. Black bears can live 25 years or more, and range in color from deepest black to chocolate and cinnamon brown. Adult males typically weigh up to 600 pounds. Adult females weight up to 400 pounds and reach sexual maturity at 3 or 4 years of age. Adults stand about 3′ tall at the shoulder.
Image ID: 18748
Species: American black bear, Ursus americanus
Location: Orr, Minnesota, USA
Just back from four days photographing American black bears (Ursus americanus) in the woods of northern Minnesota. I shot from 6am until 7pm each day, stopping for a few passing thunderstorms. I saw about 30-40 bears plus about 12 spring cubs. Fortunately, having bathed in DEET several times each day and wearing clothes soaking in Permethrin, I got no mosquito or tick bites.
