American Black Bear

The American black bear is North America's smallest and most common species of bear. It is a generalist animal, being able to exploit numerous different habitats and foodstuffs. The American black bear is listed by the IUCN as Least Concern, due to the species widespread distribution and a large global population estimated to be twice that of all other bear species combined.[1] The species is not overly dangerous to humans, but has been responsible for a few deaths, as well as property damage and livestock predation.[2] The American black bear has been the source of inspiration for numerous popular cultural depictions of bears, including the Teddy Bear[3] and Winnie the Pooh[4].