Any of these colour phases may occur in one litter, but generally all cubs in a litter are the same colour as their mother. The eyesight of the black bear is relatively poor, but its senses of hearing and smell are well developed. A startled animal will usually attempt to get downwind from an intruder and make an identification by smell. Under favourable atmospheric conditions bears can detect carrion, which they scavenge, at considerable distances. Frequently, a black bear will stand on its hind legs with its nose in the air and scent the wind for any delectable odours.
Black bears appear awkward as they shuffle along, but can move with amazing speed when necessary.
They are good swimmers and frequently cross rivers and small lakes. Climbing is second nature to a black bear. Young animals readily take to trees when frightened. They climb with a series of quick bounds, grasping the tree with their forepaws and pushing with their hind legs. When descending they travel backwards, frequently dropping from the tree from heights up to 4.5 m.