New bear cub at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum

This cub was found injured near Payson, AZ last August. She had a broken leg, but is doing very well now. She weights in at 111 pounds as of her debut March 30, 2015. She will probably gain another 100 pounds over the next year.

She seems both curious about her new surroundings, but wary of people. She does not yet have a name, but you can vote her one by going to the Desert Museum’s website. The choices are (1) Ursula; (2) Strawberry; of (3) Judumi (Tohono O’odham for bear).

Here are a few Black Bear Facts:
• The name “Black Bear” is not a very descriptive name, since they can range in color from silver grey to brown to cream colored.
• The Black Bear is the smallest of the three species of bear in North America. (Grizzly or Brown and Polar are the others)
• Their scientific name is Ursus Americanus.
• The average lifespan of a Black Bear is 10 years, although they can live up to 30 in the wild.
• Adult Black Bears are 2-3 feet at the shoulders and 4-6 standing and can weigh from 150-300 pounds, although they can get as large as 500.
• Males are larger than the females.
• Black Bears are omnivorous and eat a variety of small animals, fish and plants.
• Most Black Bears hibernate, but in warmer climates they may hibernate for shorter periods of time.
• Black Bears have an unwarranted reputation for attacking people. They prefer carrion to actively killing their food and prefer nuts, berries ants, termites, bees and honey. Black Bears rarely attack people, except when they perceive a threat to their cubs, which are born in the spring.
• Cubs are weaned in 6-8 months but will hang around for 1-1.5 years. The mother, therefore will generally only have cubs every two years unless they die.
• Black Bears have a keen sense of smell and good vision. They see in color.
• Non-retractable claws make them good climbers.
• They are also good swimmers.