Common Name: Black Bear Genus Species: Ursus americanus
On June 2, 2006 an orphaned cub was found at Judy Creek north of Spirit River near Edmonton. The Edmonton Zoo sent him via West Jet to Kelowna where our Animal Health Technologist and one of our directors picked him up and brought him home to the park.The cub was named Hamilton in honor of Tony Hamilton, noted provincial bear biologist.
Description:
Color: Varies from black to brown to cinnamon and blond. Sometimes there is a white patch on the throat or chest.
Height: Approximately 90 cm at the shoulder.
Weight: 57 kg to more than 270 kg. Females are usually smaller than males.
Characteristics: Straight face profile; short curved claws; barely noticable shoulder hump.
Habitat: Prefers forested areas with low growing plants and berry-producing shrubs such as small forest openings, stream edges and open forest.
Kelly Funk photo
Color: Varies between black (rare), brown and blond. Fur is often white tipped or "grizzled". Light colored patches may occur around neck, shoulders and on rear flanks.
Height: Slightly above one meter at shoulder. 1.8 to 2.0 metres when standing erect.
Weight: 200 kg to more than 450 kg. Females are usually smaller than males.
Characteristics: Dished or concave face; long curved claws; prominent shoulder hump.
Habitat: Semi-open spaces. High country in late summer and early fall; valley bottoms late fall and spring.
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