Exploring the World of Black Bears
Black bears (Ursus americanus) are the most widespread bears in North America, thriving in forests, swamps, mountains, and even near towns. Despite their name, they aren’t always black; their coats range from black to cinnamon and even blond. Nowhere are they more commonly seen than in the Great Smoky Mountains, where the park supports one of the densest black bear populations in the East.
On our photo tours and workshops in Alaska, the Smokies, Yellowstone, Grand Teton, the Canadian Rockies, and beyond, we often encounter these adaptable mammals, each sighting offering new insights into their behavior and wild character.
Not all black bears are black. These tree-climbing cubs reveal the species’ natural color variations.
A black bear feasts on salmon in an Alaskan river, a seasonal staple that fuels them for winter.
Nine Facts About Black Bears
Widespread Residents
Black bears live across much of North America, from Alaska to Mexico, and are the only bears found throughout the eastern United States.
Color Variations
Their fur ranges from jet black to cinnamon brown, and some western populations even have blond or blue-gray coats.
Omnivores With a Sweet Tooth
They eat a wide variety of foods, including berries, acorns, insects, fish, and carrion. In summer and fall, berries and nuts can make up most of their diet.
Strong Climbers
Black bears are excellent climbers and often send cubs up trees at the first sign of danger. Adults can climb quickly as well, a skill that sets them apart from grizzlies.
Solitary but Social at Times
They are generally solitary animals, though gatherings can occur when food is abundant, such as in salmon streams or berry patches.
Communication
Black bears communicate through body language, vocalizations like grunts and huffs, and scent marking on trees.
Seasonal Sleepers
In colder climates, black bears den through winter, slowing their metabolism but not entering true hibernation. In warmer areas, they may remain active year-round.
Cubs and Family Life
Females usually give birth to 2–3 cubs in midwinter dens. Cubs stay with their mother for about a year and a half before striking out on their own.
Keen Sense of Smell
A black bear’s sense of smell is thought to be about seven times stronger than a bloodhound’s, helping them find food from miles away.
Fun Trivia
Spirit bear variation: A small number of black bears in British Columbia are born nearly white. Known as Kermode or spirit bears, they are a rare and striking color phase.
Speed on the move: Despite their bulky build, black bears can sprint up to 30 miles per hour.
Where We See Black Bears on Our Tours
We encounter black bears in many regions, from the lush forests of the Smoky Mountains to the open meadows of Yellowstone and Grand Teton, the alpine slopes of the Canadian Rockies, and the salmon-rich rivers of Alaska. We also see them in the woodlands of New England, where they are a regular part of the landscape. Their adaptability and wide range make them one of the most frequently seen large mammals on our tours, though photographing them still takes patience, timing, and respect for safe distances.
Tips for Spotting and Photographing Black Bears
Best times: Spring and fall, when they’re most active in search of food.
Where to look: Berry patches, rivers during salmon runs, or forest edges.
Photography tip: Use a long lens to keep a safe distance while still filling the frame.
Composition: Include surrounding habitat such as wildflowers in the Smokies, rivers in Alaska, or golden meadows in Yellowstone to tell the full story.
Behavior cues: Watch for signs like raised noses or huffs, which mean the bear is aware of you.
Crossing the rocks, a black bear shows the agility hidden in its heavy frame.
For the first year and a half of life, black bear cubs rely on their mother for protection, guidance, and food.
On many of our photo tours and workshops, black bears are always a highlight. Our participants are thrilled to photograph them, especially when playful cubs appear or adults move through meadows and forests in search of food. Like all wildlife, they can be elusive, and capturing meaningful images requires patience, persistence, and respect for the animals.
Black bears are considered a conservation success in North America, with stable or growing populations in many regions. Once reduced in number by habitat loss and hunting, they have rebounded thanks to protections and management. Still, habitat fragmentation and human-bear conflicts remain ongoing concerns.
