Many people assume that black bears are always black due to their name, but this is a common misunderstanding. The name “black bear” refers to the species, Ursus americanus, not exclusively to their fur color. In reality, black bears exhibit a wide range of coloration, including various shades of brown.
Black Bear Coloration
Black bears display a diverse palette of fur colors, ranging from jet black to various shades of brown, cinnamon, blonde, and even rare blue-gray or white. This wide range of colors is primarily influenced by genetic factors, specifically variations in melanin production. Melanin is the pigment responsible for fur color, and different levels and types of melanin create the different hues observed in bears.
The prevalence of certain color phases can vary geographically. For instance, in eastern North America, most black bears are black, which may be an adaptation for camouflage in dense, brushy forests. However, in western states with more open habitats, over half of black bears can be brown, cinnamon, or blonde. Lighter fur may help reduce heat stress in sunny, open areas and provide better camouflage against predators in these environments. Certain rare color phases, such as the white Kermode bear and the blue-gray Glacier bear, are localized to specific regions.
Telling Black Bears from Brown Bears
Distinguishing black bears from brown bears, such as grizzlies, requires focusing on physical characteristics beyond fur color, as both species can exhibit similar shades. One of the most reliable features is the presence of a shoulder hump. Brown bears possess a prominent muscular hump between their shoulders, which is absent in black bears. This hump gives brown bears a sloped appearance, with their rump often appearing lower than their shoulders, whereas a black bear’s rump is typically at or higher than its shoulders.
Another differentiating characteristic is their facial profile. Brown bears tend to have a “dished” or concave facial profile, with a noticeable drop from the forehead to the nose. In contrast, black bears have a straighter, “Roman nose” profile, extending more directly from the forehead. Ear shape also provides clues; black bears generally have taller, more pointed ears that appear prominent, while brown bears have shorter, rounder ears that blend more into their head fur.
The length and curvature of their claws offer further distinction. Brown bears have longer, straighter claws, which are adapted for digging for roots and excavating prey. Black bears, conversely, have shorter, more sharply curved claws, which are well-suited for climbing trees and tearing into logs. While brown bears are generally larger, size can be misleading due to variations based on age, sex, and location, so physical features are more dependable for identification.