They are usually a uniform black, brown, or cinnamon color with a lighter colored muzzle. White individuals have been observed on the coast of British Columbia, but are rare. The hair is course and short to medium in length, and it is uniform in length all over the body, except for shorter hair on the muzzle and feet. Like all bears, the black bear is plantigrade, which means that it walks with its entire foot like a human, instead of on its toes like cats and dogs, which are digitigrade. They can also stand up in their hind legs for extended periods of time, which makes them look rather human.
Bears also tend to sit down on their rear with their upper body off the ground, like a person, too.
They have a broad, pointed muzzle, which house 42 teeth. Their body is large and rounded out, with short, thick legs. They have long claws, that can be several inches long, and cannot be retracted. Their short ears are round, and heavily lined with fur, and located near the sides of its head. They have a very short, stubby tail, just like all bears.