They have excellent hearing. Black bears are very powerful and can kill animals as large as a cow with one swipe of a paw. They use their strength for defense and to tear open logs or move rocks in search of food. They have very sharp claws that help them dig, tear and climb. A black bear's rear foot leaves a print on the ground similar to yours.
Black bears are near the top of the food chain.
They are a nuisance in some areas and have caused problems in campgrounds. Hunters help control the black bear population in many regions of America and their flesh is edible. Black bears have killed humans and should not be approached or fed. This black bear shows many of the normal identification characteristics for the species including round ears, a brown muzzle and a white chest blaze. Winners from each state represented are honored at the event.