The black bear was once common throughout much of North America, but its range has been decreased dramatically by humans. It is making a comeback, however. Now it is common throughout Canada, the Northeastern U.S., the Appalachians, the Southeast, the Rocky Mountains and the Pacific Coast. In Kentucky the black bear was thought to be extinct but there are probably populations in the extreme southwest of the state, and it is being introduced in parts of eastern Kentucky. In Tennessee, the Smokies and surrounding mountains harbor large populations of bears.
Black bears live in heavily wooded areas.
Their range is from 1-10square miles, but they often travel several hunderd miles to return to their native area when trapped and released. In colder climates, black bears feed heavily in the fall to put on fat, and go into a deep sleep for winter. They are hunted primarily for sport, although poaching bears for their gall bladders has been increasing recently. Dried bear gall bladder is thought to be an aphrodisiac by several Far Eastern cutures.