Ursus americanus American Black Bear Ursidae Ursus is Latin for bear. The common name of the black bear is misleading. Though black bears east of the Mississippi are predominantly black, in the west various shades of black, brown, cinnamon, as well as blond pelage are common. A small patch of white hair called a blaze is often found on the chest. When standing, a male black bear can be more than 6 feet tall.
Black bears possess non-retractable curved claws on each foot that are about one inch long.
These claws allow them to be proficient climbers. They often climb to retreat from predators, including humans. They lead a mostly solitary life except during mating and when a mother has cubs. The well-traveled Interstate 10 was thought to be a barrier to the southern expansion of black bears in California, however bears are now crossing this barrier with great frequency. In recent years there have been many confirmed sightings in the San Jacinto Mountain Range, south of the San Bernardino area.