www.biodiversidad.

gob.mx

Black
bear
N
a Bear, American Black Bear English:
Spanish: Black
Endangered Almost
threatened
A
p
p
The female measures between 1.2 and 1.6 em. Its
m Bear, Black Bear Scientific name: Ursus
American Black weight is between 90 and 216 kg. Some malesn can
americanusePallas, 1780. weigh much more, reaching 400 kg. Its teethd are made
i
Subspecies:
s: Ursus americanus eremicus up of 3/3 incisors, 1/1 canines, 4/4 premolars and 2/3
x
Merriam , 1904 molars for a total of 42 pieces.
I
2. 1. The Distribution I

species
The Black Bear (Ursus americanus) is one of the largest
carnivores in America, its shape is that of a typical bear,
Historically it lived in Mexico on the Western and Eastern
Sierra Madres, encompassing Caning the temperate
with a robust and hairy body, more or less long legs, a forests of the states of Sonora, Chihuahua, Durango,
face with a long snout, large claws with five non- Zacatecas, Jalisco, Aguascalientes, Coahuila, Nuevo León,
retractable nails. in each one, a short tail, and their round Tamaulipas, Nayarit and San Luis Potosí.
ears are not very big. Their way of walking is supporting
the entire sole of the foot, that is, they are plantigrade. Its
entire body's fur is black, its muzzle is lighter in color, its
hair is short and straight, and its nails are black.

The male is 20% larger than the female, and can measure
between 1.4 and 2 m long.
The Black Bear lives in large areas from western Alaska,
to eastern Canada throughout its territory, to Labrador
and Newfoundland; southward through much of the
western, eastern and central United States two, to the
north of Mexico in the states of Sonora, Nuevo León,
Zacatecas, Coahuila, Chihuahua; and probably Durango.

Throughout its wide range from Alaska

to Mexico, the Black Bear lives in a wide
variety of climates, from cold to
temperate and semi-arid. Prefers
relatively inaccessible and steep sites
with abundant food sources. The type of
vegetation also varies and is restricted
to mountainous areas that are in the
range between 900 and 3,000 m h of
altitude. The vegetation can be mainly
chaparral to forested areas.
“ oak (Quercus sp.) , pine (Pinus sp.) ,
maple (Acer sp.) , h and American
walnut (Carya sp.) , among others.
 wild they live an average of 20 years of age and in
3. Habits captivity up to 30 years.

The Black Bear is a very intelligent animal, mainly solitary, They communicate through body and facial expressions,
except when it gathers to mate and when a female moves vocalizations, through touch and by scent marks. The
with her cubs. Normally it has crepuscular habits and main vocalizations it produces are: moans and barks, to
familiar behaviors. complex liars, probably as a result of warn of potential threats. cials, or excitement; snorts for
the slow maturation of the young and the high degree of courtship or to alert the young of danger; and growls and
learning associated with obtaining food and moving across roars as loud warnings against present threats, to claim
extensive territories. In places with abundant food, they territory, or for intimidation. An upset Black Bear may
can gather in large groups that are organized by stand on its hind legs as a warning or as an intimidating
hierarchies. In summer, they establish territories display.
maintained by dominance hierarchies.
It is considered omnivorous, its diet consists mainly
It is curious and opportunistic, that is, it adapts to mainly berries, flowers, herbs, tubers and nuts;
circumstances with relative ease, especially mind if it is supplemented with carrion, fish, insects, honey and
about looking for food. May actively search for food at squirrels. In some regions they venture to open and drier
night, sometimes breaking into peli grossly in places areas, where they can eat other types of fruits, including
where there are human camps. It has good frontal vision prickly pears. In Mexico their diet is com approximately
that allows it to distinguish moving objects from below. 75% material of plant origin and 25% material of animal
rivers hundreds of meters away. However, their main origin.
senses are smell and hearing, which are well developed
and allow them to have a strong exploratory sense. It During the mating season, when the female is in heat, she
uses its claws to tear, dig and climb trees. He is not afraid temporarily meets with a male from a nearby territory.
of water. It can reach speeds of up to 40 km/h in short General Mindfully, the home environment of a male can
runs and climb trees with relative ease. overlap with that of several females with whom he can
mate, that is, he is polygamous. Females can give birth
In the United States and Canada, it is common for bears every year, but they usually stop mating between three
to approach human settlements looking for food in the and four years.
garbage, in gardens or other places with storage
containers. ment of food. They can be dangerous to The gestation period is approx. mind 220 days, a period of
humans in wild areas if certain considerations are not time that
taken into account to avoid attracting them. Bears do not ypt
actively hunt for meat, but they may attack mor maybe if includes delayed kJ implantation
they are provoked. If food is scarce, the Black Bear is
capable of attacking flocks of sheep or other domestic
animals.

The Black Bear is an animal that hibernates in winter. That

is, he is inactive in a state of deep sleep within his madri
guera, for up to six months without eating, using body fat
for their metabolic processes po. When you come out of
hibernation you must regain lost body fat and . For this
reason, he must look for his own food.

tantly. During the dry season, food can be scarce, so 2

hungry people venture to hunt animals to survive. In the
fertilized egg, which does not implant in the uterus until autumn arrives. Thus, embryo development
occurs only in the last 10 weeks of gestation. It is common for the birth of the calf to occur between
January and February when the mother is hibernating.

The offspring can be from one to five per litter, but the normal thing is for them to be two or three. Al na
cer, the babies or bear cubs are small, naked and are born with their eyes closed, weighing between 200
and 450 grams each. Among mammals, it is the smallest offspring in relation to the size of the adult.

The bear cubs remain in the den with the sleeping mother throughout the winter. By the time they
emerge in spring, they already weigh between 2 and 5 kg. They are weaned between six and eight
months of age, but remain with the mother until their second winter of life, by which time they will be
about 17 months old, and will necessarily have hibernated with the mother in the same den. By the time
the mother forces the bear cubs to leave her territory they will have already learned to live alone and will
have reached a size that can vary between only 7 and 49 kilos depending on the availability of food.

The female reaches sexual maturity between two and nine years of age (in Mexico it is reported between
three and seven years) , while the male reaches three or four years of age. Growth in black bears
continues even after they have reached sexual maturity until they are 10 or 12 years old.

Various studies have been conducted with mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) markers to obtain information on
the evolutionary history, gene flow, and genetic diversity of black bears. Using these molecular markers,
relationships have been established between different populations. Black Bear species found in the
southern United States and northern Mexico; resulting in the bears of the northern Rocky Mountains,
Arizona and the Mexico-Arizona border region coming from the same line. Mitochondrial DNA studies are
currently being carried out in other regions. It is hoped that there is a connection between bear
populations in Mexico and those in Arizona and that additional gene analyzes will provide better resolution
regarding the historical direction of movement of black bears.
 centuries, which included poisoned tallow and
4. Culture indiscriminate hunting, drastically reduced ly the
populations of several species of wild carnivores,
It is believed that there were once about two
such as the Black Bear. It was considered at that
million black bears roaming the temperate forests
of North America. This being a species well known time as an impediment to human development and
by all cultures settled in its historical range of its security. dad. In some cases, some species
distribution. From the fossil record it is known that were exterminated, such as the Gray Bear (Ursus
it has been present in North America for at least arctos) and the Mexican Wolf (Canis lupus baileyi) .
three million years. Additionally, black bears' habit of eating carrion,
along with their curious nature; They decisively
The Tarahumaras, or Rarámuri people (“those with contributed to making it almost disappear. By the
light feet”) , as they call themselves, live in 60's and 70's sightings of the species were already
temperate forest areas, in the high areas of the rare.
Sierra Madre Occidental, in Chihuahua. The Black
Bear is present in various manifestations of its Starting in the 1980s, the human population
culture. In the Rarámuri language Black Bear is adopted a more tolerant attitude toward its
called ojuí, and apa According to some of its presence. cia, new environmental laws protecting
traditional stories about the creation of the world, the species were enacted, and the same elusive
the ojuí shapes the landscape in different ways. It behavior of the Black Bear caused its isolation in
is also known that they used some parts of the fragmented regions of temperate forest, in the
bear to perform healings and even ate its meat, most remote areas of the Eastern and Western
although it was not part of their regular diet, as Sierras Madre. These days, in some parts of its
there were other sources of animal protein current distribution, reports of sightings are
available. frequent, even in geographic regions where they
had already stopped being observed.
Since the white man settled and expanded in
America, while deforesting large areas of forest,
Despite the population's change in attitude, in the
and gradually displacing indigenous cultures, it has
United States the Black Bear has severely injured
been recorded that the black bear occasionally
and even killed tourists and travelers camping in
attacks livestock. Another problem is that they
the forest.
damage crops, mainly corn, berries (such as
strawberries and blackberries) and the plant. honey In the United States, it is estimated that in the
production; so killing him became completely entire 20th century, at least 36 people died in an
justified. encounter with these animals, generally due to
carelessness or lack of prevention on the part of
In Mexico, the loss of habitat and the predator the people themselves. Generally, the Black Bear is
extermination policies of the 19th and 20th shy and elusive, fleeing to meet with
humans; unlike female Grizzly Bears (Ursus arctos horribilis) who usually attack if their cubs are disturbed.

On the other hand, the Black Bear is still hunted intensely for “sport” and in many regions it is considered
an important game, especially in the United States. Likewise, there are regions in which meat and its fat
are used for human consumption, as well as skins.

Very young Black Bear individuals can be prey to large predators such as the puma and the jaguar. It is
important in the ecosystem as a fruit consumer because it disperses its seeds and the insects that form
colonies eat large quantities of its larvae and honey. And they are predatory Occasional birds of small to
large mammals such as rabbit or deer.

The metabolic pathways of the Black Bear are studied, mainly for the ability they have to survive without
eating food using only their body fat reserves, during their hibernation periods.

5. Conservation
The destruction of the Black Bear's habitat, together with the
extensive hunting to which it was subjected mainly in the first part
of the last century, has caused the reduction of its population. tions
until it now occupies only 30 or 40% of its original distribution. The
destruction of temperate forests is still the main threat to the
survival of the species; However, their hunting is regulated by the
government.

A vulnerable aspect of the species is their slow ability to reproduce.

The Black Bear lives on average about 20 years in the wild, some up
to 30; while a
significant percentage only
reaches 10 years (due to those that have to do with interactions with humans) . They usually allow two to
three years, or more, to pass between one litter and another, so in the end, they have very few offspring
throughout their entire lives.

The Black Bear populations that we currently find are in fragmented areas of what was their original
distribution; in remote areas of dense and inaccessible forests. Although population studies of the species
are lacking in Mexico, it is known that in some areas they are numerous and prosper. However, they still
face regional threats from habitat loss and hunting.

Estimates from the Sierra del Burro, Coahuila, from 2005, indicate population densities of between 0.31
bears/km 2 and 0.72 bears/km 2 in other regions.

Estimates from the United States Geological Survey of the United States estimate that around 800,000
black bears currently live in North America. Without being specific to the populations of Mexico, the same
source estimates that throughout its distribution range between the United States and Canada, about 30
thousand individuals die annually, mainly due to hunting.

Currently in Mexico, the populations are little known, this is due in part to how difficult it is to census
individuals due to their low population density and how elusive they are to human presence. Efforts have
recently begun to count the populations. nes through various methods. Sightings of individuals, mainly in
the state of Coahuila, have raised concerns about a possible recovery of the population.

In Mexico, current Black Bear populations persist in isolated and protected areas in the north of the
country. Some genetic studies have shown
 that the most remote populations in the
highest mountainous areas have served as
reservoir populations, from which individuals
migrate to other lower or more distant areas,
establishing more recent populations. More
detailed studies of Black Bear populations and
their way of life are needed. Most of the
information available for Mexico comes from
observations from Coahuila and Sonora. For
adequate management and planning for the
conservation of this species, the Mexican
government and academic institutions are
initiating projects to study it.

The surroundings of the Sierras de Santa Rosa

and Del Burro, in Múzquiz, in Coahuila, have
been the protagonist of frequent sightings of
Black Bear in the first decade of this century, by
owners of local properties and ranches. It is in
this region of Mexico where the most numerous populations of the species are currently believed to be.
According to reports from the Coahuila state government itself, there are also frequent reports from the
vicinity of Boquillas del Carmen, in Zaragoza, Cinco Manantiales, Sacramento and in towns surrounding San
Juan de la Vaquería.

In 2010, the state of Coahuila was the setting for the formation of the First Group for Conservation tion,
Management and Protection of the Black Bear and its Habitat, which will have, among others, the purpose
of raising awareness among the population about the presence of the Black Bear and the notification of
each sighting to the authorities, especially for black bears that venture further. beyond the coverage of its
habitat, entering areas inhabited by humans in search of food.

In November 2007, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) promoted through the Bear
Specialist Group (BSG) , in coordination with the Mexican government, the 18th International Conference on
Bear Research and Conservation, held in the city of Monterrey, Mexico. In it, researchers, government
authorities and civil society, together with representatives of the international community, carried out
activities for the planning of the conservation of the Black Bear in Mexico.

In the Official Mexican Standard for Species at Risk (NOM-059-ECOL-2001) , the subspecies of Black Bear
(Ursus americanus eremicus) appears as in danger of extinction, while, as a special case, the geographic
population of Sierra El Burro, Coahuila is considered only subject to special protection.

In the world, the illegal trafficking of Black Bear organs, especially their vesicles, gave rise to sufficient
justification to include the ursidae family in the CITES (Convention on the Co International Trade in
Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) in Appendix II.

On the IUCN red list of Endangered Species, it has had the status of Least Concern since 1996; and at the
moment no information is presented on the subspecies.

The Black Bear subspecies has been considered since 2007 as a priority species of the Species at Risk
Conservation Program (PROCER) of the National Commission of Protected Natural Areas (CONANP) ; and is
subject to Species Conservation Action Programs (PACE) .
either. Bibliography
Bionero. 2010. Black bear population grows. Bionero. 01 consulted on September 2, 2010, from:
http://www.bionero.org/ecologia/crece-poblacion-de-oso-negro
CITES. 2008. Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora. Appendices I, II and III. 01 consulted
on July 6, 2010, from: www.cites.org/esp/app/appendices.shtml
CONANP. 2009. Identification file. Ursus americanus . Sheet 8. Priority Species. National Commission of Protected Natural Areas.
CONANP. 2010. Program of Action for the Conservation of the Species (PACE) of the American Black Bear, Ursus americanus .
Program Conservation of Species at Risk. National Commission of Protected Natural Areas. SEMARNAT. Online
provisional document. 01 consulted on September 9, 2010, from: http://www.conanp.gob.mx/pdf_epecies/PACEO-
soNegroAmericano.pdf
Dewey, T., and C. Kronk. 2007. “ Ursus americanus ” (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. 01 accessed on July 6, 2010, from:
animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Ursus_americanus.html.
Official Journal of the Federation. 06/March/2002. Official Mexican Standard NOM-059-ECOL-2001. Mexico DF
Doan-Crider, D., and DG, Hewitt. 2005. The Mexican black bear returns naturally. Biodiversities. 26:1-5.
The universal. 2010. There are 180 bear sightings in Coahuila. El Universal.mx. 01 consulted on August 9, 2010, from:
http://www.eluniversal.com.mx/notas/683986.html
Garshelis, D.L., D. Crider and F. Van Manen. 2008. Ursus americanus . In: IUCN 2010. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version
2010.2. 01 accessed on July 6, 2010, from: www.iucnredlist.org/apps/redlist/details/41687/0
González, C., and R. Lion. 2000. Of the indigenous peoples of Mexico Civilize or exterminate. Tarahumaras and Apaches in Chihuahua,
19th century. National Indigenous Institute. Mexico DF
I WAS GOING. 2007. IBA Mexico 2007. International Association for Bear Research & Management. IUCN/SSC Bear Specialist Group.
01 accessed on September 9, 2010, from: http://www.bearbiology.com/iba/conf01/mex01.html
ITIS. 2010. Ursus americanus Pallas , 1780. Taxonomic Serial No.:180544. Integrated Taxonomic Information System. 01 consulted
on July 6, 2010, from: www.itis.gov
Texas TechUniversity. 1997. Black Bear. The Mammals of Texas – Online Edition. 01 accessed on August 23, 2010, from:
http://www.nsrl.ttu.edu/tmot1/ursuamer.htm
USGS. 2010. Biology. United States Geological Survey. 01 accessed September 2, 2010, from: http://biology.usgs.gov/
Varas, C. 2007. Black bears stopped by the border. pp. 87-91, in: A. Córdoba, and C. TO. de la Parra (Coord.). A barrier to our shared
environment. The border wall between Mexico and the United States. Ensenada, Baja California. Mexico.
Wikipedia. 2010. Bear. Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. 01 consulted on September 6, 2010, from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bear
Wooding S., and R. Ward. 1997. Phylogeography and Pleistocene Evolution in the North American black bear. Molecular Biology and
Evolution 14:1096-1105

7. Internet sites
animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/index.html University of Michigan online database of the world's animal species.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bear English Wikipedia site about bears.
procer.conanp.gob.mx/ CONANP site for priority species.
www.iucnredlist.org/apps/redlist/details/41687/0 IUCN page with the Black Bear file.
www.bearbiology.com IUCN Bear Specialist Group site.
www.bears.org/ US page of the North American Bear Center.

8. Taxonomic information 9. Appointment

Kingdom: Animalia Division: Chordata How to quote: CONABIO. 2011. Priority species sheets.
Class: Mammalia Black Bear (Ursus americanus) National Commission of
Order: Carnivora Protected Natural Areas and National Commission for
Family: Ursidae the Knowledge and Use of Biodiversity, Mexico City
Genus: Ursus Compiled: Roberto Arreola Alemón.
Species: Ursus americanus Reviewed: Carlos Galindo Leal.
Design: Astrid Domínguez Guerrero.