Black Bears: Introduction At least 25,000 black bears inhabit the Evergreen State. Unlike its rare cousin the grizzly bear, black bears are abundant in Washington. In fact, Washington ranks within the top five of the lower 48 states in total black bear population. For each grizzly in Washington, there are at least 700 black bears. At 150-225 pounds on average, the black bear is the smallest member of the bear family. Don’t let the name fool you, however. Black bears are not always black. Their thick coats may range from black to cinnamon to blonde in color.

Black bears are solitary animals and most active generally at dawn and dusk. Although black bears will eat insects and small animals, including deer fawns and elk calves, over 80 percent of their diet consists of grasses, berries, nuts, tubers and wood fiber. Black bears are infamous opportunists. Their extremely keen sense of smell and innate curiosity make them skilled scavengers. They are notorious for rummaging through garbage cans, snatching pet food from porches, breaking into cabins in search of food, and raiding camps. Black bear front tracks are 3 1/2” to 5” wide and 4 1/2” in length, while the rear tracks are 3 1/2” to 4 3/4” in width and 7” to 8” in length.

Black bears den up during the cold winter months when food runs scarce and weather turns harsh. Although the bear’s metabolic rate slows during its winter dormancy, it is not considered a true hibernator. The bear’s body temperature remains fairly normal and the animal can be easily awakened. While in the den, females, also called sows, normally give birth to two cubs every other year. Sows will care for their young ones for about 15 months before sending them off on their own.

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