Fun Facts About Black Bears

7 Fun and interesting facts about black bears in the Great Smoky Mountains. Learn more about these popular animals and their behavior.

BLACK BEARS ARE NOT ALWAYS BLACK

Black Bears are not necessarily black in color. Here in the Smoky Mountains, our bears are black, but in other parts of the country, they can be brown or cinnamon in color.

BLACK BEARS MAKE LOTS OF NOISE

Black Bears can make up to 20 different sounds. They have aggressive sounds that include growls, woofs, snorts, bellows, and roars. They also have sounds of contentment that include mumbles, squeaks, and pants.

BLACK BEARS ARE GREAT CLIMBERS

Black Bears can be found in trees. Contrary to belief, bears often climb trees to find refuge from storms and to find sources of food.

BLACK BEARS ALWAYS SEEM HUNGRY

85% of a Black Bears diet consists of berries and nuts.

BLACK BEARS SEE IN COLOR

Black Bears have color vision and a keen sense of smell. They are also great swimmers and can run over 30 MPH.

BLACK BEAR CUBS ARE ADORABLE

Black Bears usually have 1 to 4 cubs during the mother’s winter sleep, which is usually in late January or early February. At birth, the cubs weigh around 8 ounces and will emerge from their dens in late March or early April. They will stay with their mother for about 18 months after they’re born.

BLACK BEARS LIVE A LONG TIME

Black Bears can live over 25 years in the wild and are typically shy and easily frightened.