Scientific Name – Ursus Americanus

Classification – Ursus

Gender Names – Male – Boar;  Female – Sow;  Baby – Cub

Collective Noun – Sloth or Sleuth

Average Height – all fours – 1 – 1.5 metres (3 – 4 ft); Upright – 1.5 – 2.3 metres (4 – 7 ft)

Average Weight – 57 – 250 kg (125 – 550 Ibs)

Top Speed – Land – 56.3 km/h (35mph); Swimming – 4.8 – 8km/h (3 – 5mph)

Life Expectancy – 15 – 20 years

Mating Season – May – June

Pregnancy – 7 months

Special Features – Does not hibernate in winter months but rather remains dormant (can be woken up if disturbed) feeding on body fat. Excellent swimmers and strong climbers.

Family Unit – Female and young cubs. Males and females without cubs remain solitary until breeding season.

Geographical Distribution – North America

World Population – 600,000-700,000

Conservation Status – Low risk

Natural Habitat – forests, swamps, tundra

Diet – Omnivore (plant and meat eater) – nuts, berries, plants, honey, salmon, insects

Predators – humans, other black bears

 

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