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Guest Writer

NATURE: North American Black Bear



Species: Ursus americanus – The black bear is the only species of bear in Michigan.


Life Span: 10 years – on average in the wild.


Home Range: Male black bears live in an area about 100 square miles or more in size, while females live in smaller areas about 10 to 20 square miles. Bears are solitary animals, but a sow and her cubs may be seen together.


Habitat: Prefers large continuous hardwood or conifer forests.


Litter Size: In Michigan, 2 to 3 cubs on average.


Appearance: Black bears can have various color phases including black (which is most common in Michigan), brown and cinnamon.


Size: In Michigan, adult female black bears range from 100 to 250 pounds, and adult males weigh between 150 to 400 pounds. Adult black bears measure about three feet high when on all fours, and are about five feet when standing upright.


For your safety, NEVER intentionally feed bears! It is critical that they retain their natural fear of

humans. Remember, bears, like any wild animal, can act unpredictably and should be treated with respect and enjoyed from a distance.


Source: Michigan DNR

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