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American Black Bear

Ursus americanus

Mammal · family Ursidae · order Carnivora

  1. G1
    Critically imperiled
  2. G2
    Imperiled
  3. G3
    Vulnerable
  4. G4
    Apparently secure
  5. G5
    Secure

NatureServe global rank G5: secure[2].

Updated October 30, 2026. Published by Humblebee.

American Black Bear
Photo: California Department of Fish and Wildlife from Sacramento, CA, USA, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
Endangered Species Act
Not listed[1]
NatureServe global rank
G5 Secure[2]
Native in
42 states[3]
Longest recorded life
34 years[4]

The American black bear is a mammal in the bear family, Ursidae[5]. NatureServe ranks it Secure around the world[2], and it is native in 42 US states and territories[3].

Conservation status

The American black bear is not listed as endangered or threatened under the US Endangered Species Act[1]. NatureServe gives it a G5 rank, which means Secure across its whole range[2], and an N5 rank, also Secure, for the United States as a whole[6]. The IUCN Red List category recorded by NatureServe is Least concern[7]. It is also on CITES Appendix II, which puts controls on trade between countries[8].

Status Value
Endangered Species Act[1] Not listed
NatureServe global rank[2] G5 (Secure)
NatureServe US rank[6] N5 (Secure)
IUCN Red List (via NatureServe)[7] Least concern
CITES (international trade)[8] Appendix II
Total population (NatureServe estimate)[9] 10,000 to >1,000,000 individuals

Where American Black Bear lives

NatureServe lists the black bear as native in 42 US states and territories, from Alaska and Washington to Maine and Florida[3]. It is ranked as extirpated or possibly extirpated, meaning gone or likely gone, in the District of Columbia, Delaware, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Nebraska and Rhode Island[10]. NatureServe notes that numbers have gone up in recent years in the northeastern US[11]. The states with the most GBIF sighting reports are California, Alaska, North Carolina, New York and Wyoming, which reflects where people look and report[12].

Alaska: native, state rank S5AKMaine: native, state rank S5MEWisconsin: native, state rank S5WIVermont: native, state rank S5VTNew Hampshire: native, state rank S5NHWashington: native, state rank S5WAIdaho: native, state rank S3IDMontana: native, state rank S5MTNorth Dakota: native, state rank S1NDMinnesota: native, state rank SNRMNIllinois: extirpated or possibly extirpated, state rank SXILMichigan: native, state rank S5MINew York: native, state rank S5NYMassachusetts: native, state rank S4MAOregon: native, state rank S4ORNevada: native, state rank S4NVWyoming: native, state rank S5WYSouth Dakota: native, state rank S1SDIowa: extirpated or possibly extirpated, state rank SXIAIndiana: extirpated or possibly extirpated, state rank SXINOhio: native, state rank S1OHPennsylvania: native, state rank S5PANew Jersey: native, state rank SNRNJConnecticut: native, state rank S5CTRhode Island: extirpated or possibly extirpated, state rank SXRICalifornia: native, state rank SNRCAUtah: native, state rank S3UTColorado: native, state rank S5CONebraska: extirpated or possibly extirpated, state rank SXNEMissouri: native, state rank S4MOKentucky: native, state rank S4KYWest Virginia: native, state rank S5WVVirginia: native, state rank S4VAMaryland: native, state rank S3MDDelaware: extirpated or possibly extirpated, state rank SXDEArizona: native, state rank S5AZNew Mexico: native, state rank S4NMKansas: extirpated or possibly extirpated, state rank SXKSArkansas: native, state rank S4ARTennessee: native, state rank S3TNNorth Carolina: native, state rank S4NCSouth Carolina: native, state rank S5SCDistrict of Columbia: extirpated or possibly extirpated, state rank SXDCOklahoma: native, state rank S3OKLouisiana: native, state rank S3LAMississippi: native, state rank S2MSAlabama: native, state rank S2ALGeorgia: native, state rank S4GAHawaii: not recordedHITexas: native, state rank S1TXFlorida: native, state rank SNRFLPuerto Rico: not recordedPR
State presence as recorded by NatureServe[13].
Show state ranks (50 states)
StateRankMeaning
AlabamaS2Imperiled
AlaskaS5Secure
ArizonaS5Secure
ArkansasS4Apparently Secure
CaliforniaSNRNot Ranked
ColoradoS5Secure
ConnecticutS5Secure
DelawareSXPresumed Extirpated
District of ColumbiaSXPresumed Extirpated
FloridaSNRNot Ranked
GeorgiaS4Apparently Secure
IdahoS3Vulnerable
IllinoisSXPresumed Extirpated
IndianaSXPresumed Extirpated
IowaSXPresumed Extirpated
KansasSXPresumed Extirpated
KentuckyS4Apparently Secure
LouisianaS3Vulnerable
MaineS5Secure
MarylandS3Vulnerable
MassachusettsS4Apparently Secure
MichiganS5Secure
MinnesotaSNRNot Ranked
MississippiS2Imperiled
MissouriS4Apparently Secure
MontanaS5Secure
NebraskaSXPresumed Extirpated
NevadaS4Apparently Secure
New HampshireS5Secure
New JerseySNRNot Ranked
New MexicoS4Apparently Secure
New YorkS5Secure
North CarolinaS4Apparently Secure
North DakotaS1Critically Imperiled
OhioS1Critically Imperiled
OklahomaS3Vulnerable
OregonS4Apparently Secure
PennsylvaniaS5Secure
Rhode IslandSXPresumed Extirpated
South CarolinaS5Secure
South DakotaS1Critically Imperiled
TennesseeS3Vulnerable
TexasS1Critically Imperiled
UtahS3Vulnerable
VermontS5Secure
VirginiaS4Apparently Secure
WashingtonS5Secure
West VirginiaS5Secure
WisconsinS5Secure
WyomingS5Secure

Habitat

Black bears live in hardwood, conifer and mixed forests and woodlands, in forested wetlands, and along rivers and creeks[14]. They do best in forests that mix leafy trees with conifers and have thick plant growth near the ground, though they can turn up in other settings too[15]. When resting, a bear uses a den such as a hollow log, a hole in a tree, a cave-like spot underground, or a patch of dense cover on the ground[15]. Young bears are born in a den[15].

Habitat types recorded by NatureServe[14]

Size, diet and lifespan

The black bear is an omnivore, which means it eats both plants and animals, including fruit, insects, dead animals and garbage[16]. One estimate puts its diet at 50% fruit, 30% other plant material, 10% warm-blooded animals and 10% fish[17]. A typical bear is about 160 cm (63 in) long[18] and weighs about 200 kg (441 lb)[19]. Young are born in January or February and stay with their mother until the fall of their second year, with 1 to 5 young in a litter[20] and 2 as a typical number[21]. The longest recorded lifespan is 34 years, for a bear in captivity[4].

Trait Value
Typical length[18] 160 cm (63 in)
Typical adult weight[19] 200 kg (441 lb)
Longest recorded lifespan (AnAge)[4] 34 years (captivity)
Litter or clutch size[21] 2
Gestation or incubation[22] 70 days
Female maturity[23] 1,278 days (about 3.5 years)
Food habits[24] Carnivore, Piscivore, Invertivore, Herbivore, Granivore, Frugivore
Active[25] nocturnal
Migration[26] non-migrant

Estimated diet composition (EltonTraits 1.0)[17]

  • 50% fruit
  • 30% other plant material
  • 10% warm-blooded vertebrates
  • 10% fish

When to look for it

In winter black bears go dormant in their dens, a deep rest that is not true hibernation[27]. They do not migrate[26]. Bears can be nocturnal, meaning active at night, or crepuscular, meaning active at dawn and dusk[28]. They mate in June and July[20], and GBIF sighting reports peak in June, July and August[29].

January: 546 recordsJanFebruary: 380 recordsFebMarch: 806 recordsMarApril: 2,321 recordsAprMay: 5,843 recordsMayJune: 7,709 recordsJunJuly: 6,872 recordsJulAugust: 6,009 recordsAugSeptember: 5,135 recordsSepOctober: 3,427 recordsOctNovember: 1,996 recordsNovDecember: 974 recordsDec
US observation records on GBIF by month, all years. The three months with the most records are highlighted. Records show when people look and report, not how many animals there are[29].
Show records by month
MonthRecords
January546
February380
March806
April2,321
May5,843
June7,709
July6,872
August6,009
September5,135
October3,427
November1,996
December974

Where to see it

National Park Service species lists record American Black Bear as present in 118 park units[30]. Present means the park has a confirmed record, not that sightings are common.

And 94 more park units.

States with the most GBIF observation records: California, Alaska, North Carolina, New York, Wyoming[12]. These counts follow where people look and report, not population size.

Safety around this animal

These tips are quoted in summary from official agencies. We add no advice of our own. Follow local rules and the agency pages linked below.

From National Park Service

  • Stay calm and talk to the bear in a calm voice. Stand still and slowly wave your arms so it can tell you are a person.
  • If a bear follows you, stop and hold your ground. Do not run, and do not climb a tree, because both black bears and grizzly bears can climb.
  • If a grizzly or brown bear attacks, leave your pack on, lie flat on your stomach with your hands clasped behind your neck and play dead. Fight back only if the attack keeps going.
  • If a black bear attacks, do not play dead. Get into a car or building if you can, otherwise fight back, aiming at the face and muzzle.
  • Never let a bear get your food. A bear that gets food keeps coming back, which makes it dangerous for the next visitors.
  • Carry an EPA-approved bear spray made to stop aggressive bears. It is a deterrent, not a repellent, so never spray it on yourself or your gear.

Source: National Park Service[31]

From National Park Service (Yellowstone)

  • In Yellowstone, the National Park Service asks visitors to stay at least 100 yards (91 m) from bears, wolves and cougars.
  • If the animal moves closer, back away. Approaching wildlife close enough to disturb or displace it is illegal in the park.
  • Never feed wildlife. Use binoculars or a long camera lens instead of moving closer.

Source: National Park Service (Yellowstone)[32]

Questions people ask

Is the American black bear endangered?
No. It is not listed as endangered or threatened under the US Endangered Species Act[1], and NatureServe ranks it Secure worldwide[2].
Where do black bears live in the US?
NatureServe lists them as native in 42 US states and territories[3]. They are gone or likely gone from the District of Columbia, Delaware, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Nebraska and Rhode Island[10].
What do black bears eat?
They eat both plants and animals, such as fruit, insects, dead animals and garbage[16]. One estimate puts fruit at 50% of the diet[17].
How big is an American black bear?
A typical adult is about 160 cm (63 in) long[18] and weighs about 200 kg (441 lb)[19].
How long do black bears live?
The oldest known black bear lived 34 years in captivity[4]. This is a record, not a typical lifespan.

Facts and sources

  1. American Black Bear is not listed as endangered or threatened under the US Endangered Species Act in USFWS ECOS data (checked 2026-10-30). USFWS ECOS
  2. NatureServe global conservation status rank for American Black Bear: G5 (Secure). NatureServe Explorer
  3. NatureServe lists American Black Bear as native in 42 US states and territories: Alaska, Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota,... NatureServe Explorer
  4. Maximum recorded lifespan in AnAge: 34 years in captivity. This is a record, not a typical lifespan. AnAge
  5. American Black Bear (Ursus americanus) is a mammal in the family Ursidae, order Carnivora. NatureServe Explorer
  6. NatureServe national rank in the United States: N5 (Secure). NatureServe Explorer
  7. IUCN Red List category as recorded by NatureServe: Least concern. NatureServe Explorer
  8. CITES listing recorded by NatureServe: Appendix II (controls on international trade). NatureServe Explorer
  9. NatureServe estimate of total adult population (global, as a range): 10,000 to >1,000,000 individuals. NatureServe Explorer
  10. NatureServe ranks American Black Bear as extirpated or possibly extirpated (SX or SH) in: the District of Columbia, Delaware, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Nebraska, Rhode Island. NatureServe Explorer
  11. NatureServe notes on trend for American Black Bear. NatureServe Explorer
  12. US states with the most GBIF observation records of American Black Bear: California, Alaska, North Carolina, New York, Wyoming. Record counts follow observer effort, not population size. GBIF
  13. NatureServe state ranks for American Black Bear (map and table on this page). NatureServe Explorer
  14. Habitat types NatureServe records for American Black Bear: Forest - hardwood, Forest - conifer, Forest - mixed, Woodland - hardwood, Woodland - conifer, Woodland - mixed, Forested wetland, Riparian, Medium river, Creek, Moderate gradient, Low gradient. NatureServe Explorer
  15. NatureServe notes on habitat for American Black Bear. NatureServe Explorer
  16. NatureServe notes on food for American Black Bear. NatureServe Explorer
  17. Estimated diet composition in EltonTraits 1.0: 50% fruit, 30% other plant material, 10% warm-blooded vertebrates, 10% fish. EltonTraits 1.0
  18. Typical length recorded by NatureServe: 160 cm (63 in). NatureServe Explorer
  19. Typical adult weight recorded by NatureServe: 200 kg (441 lb). NatureServe Explorer
  20. NatureServe notes on reproduction for American Black Bear. NatureServe Explorer
  21. Typical litter or clutch size in AnAge: 2. AnAge
  22. Gestation or incubation period in AnAge: 70 days. AnAge
  23. Age at female sexual maturity in AnAge: 1,278 days (about 3.5 years). AnAge
  24. Adult food habits recorded by NatureServe: Carnivore, Piscivore, Invertivore, Herbivore, Granivore, Frugivore. NatureServe Explorer
  25. Activity time in EltonTraits 1.0: nocturnal. EltonTraits 1.0
  26. NatureServe migration category for American Black Bear: non-migrant (populations can differ). NatureServe Explorer
  27. NatureServe notes on phenology for American Black Bear. NatureServe Explorer
  28. Adult activity patterns recorded by NatureServe: Hibernates/aestivates, Circadian, Nocturnal, Crepuscular. NatureServe Explorer
  29. GBIF observation records of American Black Bear in the US by month (chart on this page). GBIF
  30. NPSpecies park lists recording American Black Bear as present (list on this page). NPS NPSpecies
  31. Safety guidance from National Park Service. National Park Service
  32. Safety guidance from National Park Service (Yellowstone). National Park Service

Status, range and habitat come from NatureServe Explorer (CC BY 4.0) and USFWS ECOS at the snapshot date. Listings change by federal rule. State lists are where NatureServe records the species, not a promise that you will see it there. Never name a place smaller than a state. GBIF and park records count observations and checklists. They show where and when people report the species, not how many animals live there.

NatureServe. 2026. NatureServe Explorer [web application]. NatureServe, Arlington, Virginia. Available https://explorer.natureserve.org. (Accessed: October 30, 2026). Licensed under CC BY 4.0; SpeciesFacts selected and summarized it.

Photo: California Department of Fish and Wildlife from Sacramento, CA, USA, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.