Color is manly glossy black with a brown muzzle and usually a small white patch on the chest.
In western populations, cinnamon phases are common, and other color phases have been observed. Does not see very well, but hearing and smelling are excellent. 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.