American Black Bear
It is during hibernation that the young are born, usually in January. At first the cubs are very small, only about eight inches long, weighing from eight to twelve ounces and are naked, blind and helpless. The black bear usually has two cubs though occasionally one, three or four. The cubs grow rapidly and are able to follow their mother around when she comes out of hibernation. If mother is a highway or camp beggar the cubs soon learn it too and then the trouble starts. The female bear is a good mother and it is extremely dangerous to come between her and the cubs. She makes the cubs mind, spanking them vigorously if they fail to do so. The cubs hibernate with their mother their first winter and are then usually weaned by the next summer. The female black bear has a new litter of cubs only every two or three years.
These animals are omnivorous, eating anything that comes their way, grass, fruit, berries, roots, mammals, birds, carrion, grubs and ants, fish, frogs etc.
General description: A medium-sized bear, with considerable variation in color, from glossy black to cinnamon brown or yellowish, often with a brown muzzle. Claws of forefeet curved and slightly longer than those of hind feet. Its generally smaller size, straight facial profile and lack of shoulder hump distinguishes the black from the grizzly bear. Adult blacks can climb trees readily. Sexes are alike in appearance, with total length of about 60 inches, tail 5 inches, height at shoulder from 25 to 35 or more inches and weight from 200 to 400 pounds, occasionally over.
Terms: Male—boar; female—sow; young—cubs.
Where found: Throughout the park, though most frequently seen in the vicinity of camps and cabin areas. It is possible to see them any time night or day but it is dangerous to approach them too closely at any time; a mother with cubs is doubly dangerous. Extreme care should be used in parking to watch bears so that you do not create a highway traffic hazard which endangers the lives of others. Do not permit the bear to approach closely. Never place yourself or others in a position of danger with respect to these animals.
PARK REGULATIONS PROHIBIT THE FEEDING OR MOLESTING OF THE BEARS. ABIDE BY THEM.
GRIZZLY BEAR
Ursus horribilis ssp.
There are probably more Grizzlies in Yellowstone Park now than in any other area of the United States. Elsewhere they have been reduced by extensive hunting. Members of this genus are the largest and most formidable of the carnivorous animals of North America. The variety found in the park is probably surpassed in size only by the Giant Brown Bear of Alaska and the White Bear of the Arctic seas.
