New Mexico State Mammal: Black Bear

Nature, State Animals 4 Minutes

The American black bear, more commonly known simply as the black bear, is the smallest of the 3 bear species found in America. The brown or grizzly bear and the polar bear are larger in size, however the black bear is still a huge mammal. They can measure up to 7 feet in length and males can weigh over 400kg. When standing on their hind legs, they can reach a height of around 7 feet, although females are usually smaller and shorter than males.

Black bears can be distinguished from brown bears by their smaller size, longer ears and lack of a shoulder hump. Black bears also have shorter, more curved claws and are generally more timid animals. Typically they are black in color but depending on their location, their fur can be dark or light brown. Black bears are found throughout North America but are more abundant in the northern states. Unlike brown bears, they prefer more densely forested habitats and rarely venture into open areas for long periods of time.

Interesting American Black Bear Facts

1. They are not always black in color

Some black bears can be a very light brown (or cinnamon) color and very rarely, completely white.

2. Black bears are shy and timid

Black bears will usually run away or climb up a tree rather than confront humans. This is mostly true but some individual black bears can be very aggressive, especially when threatened. They are however much less likely to attack compared to the brown or grizzly bears, which tend to be less weary and less approachable. Both these species, as well as the polar bear, will usually move on when left alone and black bears especially tend to flee when confronted by people.

3. They can eat over 10,000 berries in a day

When food is abundant, black bears will eat as much food as they possibly can, sometimes over 8kg of fruit and berries in a day. When berries and fruits are abundant, black bears will move to these areas and feed almost exclusively on these. They have an excellent sense of smell and this helps them locate ripening berries, nuts and fruits as well as bee hives, where they feed on the honey and bee larvae. 

4. Black bears are skilled climbers

Black bears are excellent climbers and can easily access nuts and fruits before they fall to the ground. They have sharp, curved claws and this not only helps them when climbing but also makes ripping into trees logs or upturning boulders when searching for insects much easier. As well as being expert climbers, black bears are great swimmers and will cross fast flowing rivers to reach food on the other side.

5. They are incredibly strong animals

Black bears are up to 5 times stronger than the average human being.

6. American black bears are highly dexterous

They are capable of opening screw-top jars and manipulating door latches.

7. Their diet is predominantly vegetarian

Although they do eat meat, almost 70% of their diet is made up of plant matter.

8. Their sense of smell is 7 times more sensitive than a domestic dog

While American black bears have extremely sensitive noses, their eyesight and hearing is more comparable to that of a human.

9. Black bears are fast runners

Sprinting at around 40-50km/h, black bears can easily outrun humans.

10 They are mostly quiet animals

Although they tongue-click and grunt to communicate with one another, black bears do not growl or roar. 

11. They den in spots that are well hidden

Black bear dens are usually made in caves, under tree roots or are dug into hillsides.

12. Females usually give birth during the hibernation period

During the breeding season, a male and female will remain together until just before the cubs are born. Females usually give birth in their den while in torpor; a similar state to hibernation. The cubs will then feed off their mother’s milk while she hibernates until spring arrives.

Usually two cubs are born and they leave the den for the first time when their mother comes out of hibernation. Female black bears teach their cubs how to find food and survive in the wild until the cubs are around 17 months old and become fully independent. The father of the cubs does not actively help in raising his offspring but does protect the territory from other males, who may attack the cubs.

13. Black bear cubs are playful animals

Cubs will regularly wrestle and play with each other as well as their mother. This helps them develop essential skills to survive in the wild.

14. Black bears are very intelligent

Black bears can memorize their whole territory, they can make scratching sticks out of twigs and can easily break into locked food storage containers.

15. There are black bear hybrids

American black bears can reproduce with other bear species and produce hybrid offspring. Black bear and grizzly bear hybrids have been reported in the wild.

16. They are a key contributer to the ecosystem

Black bears are important contributors to the ecosystems in which they inhabit. Due to their large size they create micro-ecosystems where they leave deep footprints or break small trees and plants. They are also key in controlling insect populations as well as important seed disbursers, encouraging new plant growth wherever the seeds in their stools germinate. Black bears also have very large home ranges which means they can increase plant diversity by travelling long distances and disbursing seeds which otherwise may not have reached or germinated in that area.  

SOURCE: FACTANIMAL.COM

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Published by pat frederick

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134 thoughts on “New Mexico State Mammal: Black Bear”

  4. Raymond Gauthier has reached the end of the rainbow and has been justly rewarded with the fisherman’s pot of gold in these lunker bass caught on Toledo Bend Lake. On July 3, 1973, while fishing near Pendleton Bridge he hauled in 7 bass that tipped the scales at 56 pounds even. Since then he has caught 63 bass in a 2 acre area. 20 of these weighed over 6 pounds each, 20 more weighed over 7 pounds each and 12 of these weighed over 8 pounds each with the 2 biggest weighing 9 pounds 14 ounces each. Since then he has caught many more in the same weight range that have not been mounted.

    THE POT OF LUNKER BASS AT THE END OF THE RAINBOW

    Liked by 1 person

  5. “Thus came the “Shit Trebuchet”

    “What we used to think of Canadians vs. what we think of Canadians now!”

    “If Trump went to Berkeley….”

    Liked by 1 person

  6. Troublemaker10
    Troublemaker10
    April 22, 2025 2:22 pm

    Eric Daugherty
    @EricLDaugh

    🚨 WHOA! Trump administration ARRESTS one of India’s most-wanted fugitives, connected to terror attacks.

    “He was released into the U.S. under President Biden. His name is Harpreet Singh, one of India’s most wanted fugitives.”

    Video linked….

    🚨 WHOA! Trump administration ARRESTS one of India’s most-wanted fugitives, connected to terror attacks.

    “He was released into the U.S. under President Biden. His name is Harpreet Singh, one of India’s most wanted fugitives.”pic.twitter.com/fiRDkadH1y

    — Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) April 22, 2025

    Liked by 1 person

  7. “F-117A going by “Scorpion 5” giving a rare look at it’s weapons bay  during an airshow at Edwards AFB (2006)”

    Liked by 1 person

    1. hubby and I were just mentioning that it’s dead possum season around us. First is the skunks for some reason, then the possums and then the raccoons and eventually the deer. i only ever saw 1 dead baby bear in the 20 years we’ve been here.

      Liked by 1 person

  11. In reality, it was a mutual accommodation.

    The ugliest birds on the planet!!!

    “They’ve been tested. They covered one twin’s eyes while showing pictures to the other’s. Also, there was a video where one twin was eating something the other didn’t like I think it was ketchup and the other began crying because she didn’t like ketchup.”

    Liked by 1 person

  13. Matt Van Swol
    @matt_vanswol
    🚨#BREAKING: Chimney Rock NC officials have confirmed that a mind-blowing 2,000 members of the Pennsylvania Amish Community have been quietly rebuilding the town’s homes, businesses, and bridges…

    …for 6 months straight

    GOD BLESS THE AMISH!!

    Like

  14. Liked by 1 person

  15. “Putin Gifts Trump Iconic Painting!”

    Clandestine, Apr 22, 2025

    “Last month, Putin gave Witkoff a mystery painting to deliver to Trump as a gift amidst their ongoing negotiations. CNN were given access to the painting by the Russian artist, Nikas Safronov, depicting Trump’s iconic fist pump after the assassination attempt in Butler, PA.

    This shows the relationship between the US and Russia is in a significantly better place than just a few months ago, when Putin was firing new IRBM systems and the Biden regime were pushing for Ukraine to join NATO. The once looming threat of direct/nuclear war with Russia, now seems like a distant memory.

    But as you can tell from this CNN report, the Dems/MSM are already throwing a fit about it, and are displeased with the friendliness between Trump and Putin.

    But in reality, this is yet another step towards the end goal, which is peace, and normalized relations with Russia.”

    CNN Global video clip of Putin: https://bioclandestine.substack.com/p/putin-gifts-trump-iconic-painting

    Liked by 1 person

  18. TheseTruths

    TheseTruths(@thesetruths)

    Online

    Wolf

    April 22, 2025 17:25

    Enough is enough – it’s time for President Trump to consider suspending the writ of Habeas Corpus to deport the millions of illegal aliens who invaded our country

    It’s in the Constitution – Article 1, Section 9

    It’s allowed when there is an invasion

    FDR used it
    Lincoln used it… pic.twitter.com/8QfMdcHcvo

    — DC_Draino (@DC_Draino) April 22, 2025

    Enough is enough – it’s time for President Trump to consider suspending the writ of Habeas Corpus to deport the millions of illegal aliens who invaded our country

    It’s in the Constitution – Article 1, Section 9

    It’s allowed when there is an invasion

    FDR used it

    Lincoln used it

    Ulysses S. Grant used it

    And all their faces ended up on our national currency

    I hope Trump suspends habeas to repel this historic invasion – we’re more than ready to defend him and take our country back

    Liked by 1 person

  19. “Arabian horses are among the most recognizable breeds, thanks to their beautiful dished faces, elegant bodies, and high tail carriage. Their iconic look has long made them a popular horse in film and among the rich and famous.

    Eight of the most famous Arabian horses include Thunder, Flicka, Marwan Al Shaqab, Cass Ole, Godolphin, Darley, Byerly Turk, and Marengo. Each of these famous horses has shined in the spotlight. From movie stars to mascots and even trusty warhorses, they’ve all had their claim to fame. Here are the most famous Arabian horses in history.

    Marwan Al Shaqab

    Marwan Al Shaqab, famous Arabian stallion

    Cass Ole

    Cass Ole, black Arabian horse running along a beach in The Black Stallion movie

    Thunder – Denver Bronco’s mascot

    Thunder, Arabian horse mascot for the Denver Broncos American football team

    Flicka

    Chestnut Arabian horse from the TV series My Friend Flicka

    Like

  20. Breed Foundation Arabians/Thoroughbreds:

    “Godolphin Arabian”

    “Born in 1724, Godolphin Arabian is famous for being one of three Arabian stallions to found the Thoroughbred breed. Foaled in Yemen, the bay stallion moved several times before arriving in England.

    At an early age, he was gifted to King Louis XV of France. However, the king did not find him valuable, so he put Godolphin to work as a carthorse. After not impressing royalty, he was imported to Longford Hall, Derbyshire.

    In England, Godolphin was soon put to stud. Not only did his foals inherit his color and conformation, but they were also famous for their incredible speed. His offspring found much success on the racetrack, contributing to the foundation of the Thoroughbred breed.” 

    “Darley Arabian”

    Darley Arabian horse, one of the founders of the Thoroughbred horse breed

    “Darley Arabian was born in 1700 and was also one of three Arabians that founded the Thoroughbred breed. The bay stallion was bought by Thomas Darley in 1704 in Syria and was sent to Aldby Park, England, as a gift to Darley’s brother.

    In England, Darley stood at stud, and his offspring were noted for being fast and talented. With beauty and refinement, he was the leading sire in Great Britain and Ireland in 1722. One of his most famous offspring, Flying Childers, was undefeated in his racing career.

    During his life, he sired many successful racehorses. His son, Bulle Rock, was the first Thoroughbred to arrive in America. Today, nearly all Thoroughbreds trace back to Darley.”

    “Byerly Turk”

    Byerly Turk, famous Arabian horse

    “Born in 1680, Byerly Turk was the first of the three Arabians that founded the Thoroughbred breed. In 1688, captain Robert Byerley took the dark brown stallion from a Turkish officer in Hungry.

    Byerly was then dispatched to Ireland and where Byerly Turk served as his warhorse. The stallion was later brought to England, where he stood at stud.

    Byerly Turk’s offspring were fast and elegant like their father. Many of his sons and daughters became famous and successful horses.”

    “Marengo”

    Marengo, famous white Arabian stallion owned by Napoleon

    “Marengo was Napoleon’s favorite steed and trusty companion. The gray Arabian stallion was small but reliable and courageous in battle.

    Imported from Egypt in 1799, Napoleon gave his beloved stallion the name Marengo after winning the Battle of Marengo. During his 15 years of service to his owner, Marengo was wounded eight times without throwing Napoleon off. He was fearless and obedient on the battlefield.

    Napoleon and Marengo’s last battle together was the Battle of Waterloo. During this battle, William Petre captured Marengo. Petre brought the stallion back to England and sold him to Lieutenant-Colonel Angerstein. Marengo then stood at stud in New Barnes, England.”

    Liked by 1 person

  22. I am adding a short daily prayer to the board. I would invite each of you, if you wish, to also add one or maybe two of your own liking. I do not want to stifle anyone but please limit yourself to one or two religious postings. here’s one I found that I liked.

    Like

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