Studies show bears can see colors, recognize human forms, and notice even the slightest movement. However, bears usually rely on their acute sense of smell and, to a lesser degree, hearing to locate food and warn them of danger. Despite their common name, black bears are not always black. They may be cinnamon-colored, blond or black. Often they have a white spot or on their chest.
Black bears appear heavy and have short, powerful legs.
Adults usually weigh from 200 to 600 pounds, with rare individuals weighing up to 900 pounds. An adult male normally weighs more than an adult sow, sometimes twice as much. Black bears measure about three feet high when on all fours or about five to seven feet tall when standing upright Bear Signs and Sounds Bear tracks are distinctive. The hind footprint resembles a human's. Bears have five toes.