Species Spotlight: Black Bear

Black bears were hunted heavily and by the late 1800's there were only small populations left in the Catskills and Adirondacks. But thanks to the re-growth of forests and the regulation of hunting, bears have made a comeback. Today, 6000–7000 black bears live in New York State.

Bears have been breeding in the Shawangunks since 2001. Yet even those that call this region home may be long-distance travelers. With large home ranges and the ability to wander up to 100 miles in search of food and mates, bears here may be migrating to and from Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and other parts of New York.

Looks like: Adult male black bears can weigh nearly 300 pounds and adult females about 160. They are about 3 feet at the shoulder and up to 6 feet when standing upright. Bears are typically black with a brown muzzle.

Lives in: Forests and swamps. Black bears make dens in caves or under fallen trees.

Niche: Bears are omnivores. They prefer fruit like blueberries, cherries, and apples, as well as honey, roots, and nuts, but will also eat insects, small mammals, birds, and eggs, and if they’re hungry enough will dine on a deer carcass.

Threats: Bears are sometimes killed when they become “problem bears” in places where people leave garbage outdoors or bird feeders filled in the summertime — providing easy meals and reducing fear of people.

Reproduction: Mating occurs in May and up to 3 cubs are born in the winter den in January or February. Cubs wean in August but stay with the mother for a year.

Fun facts: Bears have poor eyesight and only moderate hearing, but an excellent sense of smell. They can live to be over 20 years old and run as fast as 30 miles per hour for short distances.