American Black Bears at Bearizona Wildlife Park

These American black bears (Ursus americanus) were photographed in 2013 at Bearizona Wildlife Park near Williams in northern Arizona. The approximately 160-acre park includes a drive-through route through ponderosa pine forest. Bearizona reports that most of its resident bears remain active during winter, although wild black bears typically den when seasonal food becomes scarce.

The American black bear is the only bear species currently found in Arizona and the most abundant bear species worldwide. Within Arizona, black bears occur mainly in higher-elevation forests and woodlands, including conifer forest, oak woodland, chaparral, and riparian habitat. They are opportunistic omnivores whose diets vary by season and location but frequently consist largely of plant material.

The species’ common name does not describe a single coat color. Across North America, American black bears may be black, brown, cinnamon, blond, or, rarely, white. Females generally give birth during winter denning to one to three cubs. Wild individuals may live for 15 to 30 years.