Sierra


Sierra the black bear:

Distinguished from other bears by smaller size, larger ears, pale muzzle, and a rounded back. Fur color varies geographically; most eastern animals are dark black; western populations can be brown, cinnamon, or blond. Some coastal populations in British Columbia and Alaska are creamy white (Kermode Bears) or bluish gray (Glacier Bears). Some animals have a white chest patch. Lips are prehensile. Males are larger. Often leaves its mark on trees when stripping bark to eat sap, climbing tree with claws, or rubbing and scratching to mark territory. In most areas the Black Bear hibernates through the winter in ground or tree dens; in the far south only pregnant females hibernate.

Habitat

Alpine & subalpine habitats, Canyons & caves, Forests & woodlands, Swamps, marshes & bogs

Range

Plains, Great Lakes, New England, Mid-Atlantic, Rocky Mountains, Southeast, Southwest, Florida, California, Northwest, Eastern Canada, Western Canada, Alaska