Because most American black bears do not live beyond ten years of age, and because juvenile mortality is rather high, many females barely replace themselves in the population. The cubs purr when fed and cry when hungry or cold. Adults huff and growl, roar, and chomp their teeth as warnings to other bears or to people. American black bears do not prey on humans, but sometimes they hurt or kill people in conflicts over space or food or while protecting their young. In most areas, American black bear populations are stable.
Black bears are the most abundant of the species of bears.
It is classified as Ursus americanus. M.Sc., Ph.D. Director of the Ursid Research Center, Wild Rockies Outdoor Science University. All rights reserved. Learn about Encarta's editorial process. All rights reserved.