Their primary threat comes from people, although for bears that make it to old age, parasites and even tooth problems can weaken and kill them. Black bears are primarily nocturnal, especially when they are in close contact with people. An evening or morning glimpse of these creatures, which symbolized so much that was good and bad about the wilderness for early settlers, can help remind us of how foreign true wilderness is to most of us, and how important it is that we help ensure its survival. 2 to 3 feet at shoulder. Weight 200 to 600 pounds, with males a third larger than females.
Colors can vary.
Black in eastern U.S. Broad, blunt, brown face with small eyes and large, Roman nose. Through much of Canada and Alaska. Scattered through western and eastern United States. Males mate promiscuously. Female will den in hollow log or tree, beneath roots or rocks, or in an other cavern.