The American black bear, Ursus americanus, is a large mammal found across North America. Despite its common name, the species exhibits significant variability in coat color, which often leads to confusion. The designation “black bear” refers to the species itself, not a guaranteed color, and its appearance ranges dramatically depending on genetics and geography. Understanding this spectrum is necessary for correct identification.
The Spectrum of Black Bear Colors
The name “black bear” is a historical classification, but the species has more color variations than any other North American mammal. While black is the most common color, especially in the eastern forests, the species also appears in various lighter shades. These include chocolate brown, light brown, cinnamon, and blonde.
The variation is determined by genetics, specifically a missense alteration in the Tyrosinase-related protein 1 (TYRP1) gene. This mutation affects the production of melanin, the pigment responsible for fur color, resulting in a dilution of the dark pigment and producing the lighter phases.
Rare and localized color phases also exist. These include the creamy white Kermode bear, or “Spirit Bear,” found in coastal British Columbia, and the bluish-gray Glacier bear (Ursus americanus emmonsii) of southeastern Alaska. These morphs highlight that the species name is not an accurate descriptor of the bear’s actual appearance across its entire range.
Geographic Influence on Coat Color
The prevalence of non-black coats is heavily influenced by geography, showing a distinct difference between eastern and western populations. Nearly all black bears found east of the Great Plains are black. This dark coloration may provide camouflage in the dense, shaded forest understory of the East.
In contrast, over half of the black bears in the western United States are shades of brown, cinnamon, or blonde. This shift is noticeable in the mountainous and open forests of the West, where lighter coats offer a selective advantage. Lighter fur absorbs less heat from intense sunlight, helping the bears manage thermal stress in more open habitats.
The lighter coats also offer better camouflage against the drier, tan-colored vegetation and open landscapes of the West. The genetic variant for the cinnamon color likely spread from a southwestern population, with the Great Plains limiting its flow eastward. In some western regions, up to 90% of the local black bear population may be brown or cinnamon-colored.
Identifying Black Bears vs. Brown Bears
Since color is an unreliable way to identify a bear, especially when a black bear is brown, identification must rely on distinct morphological features. The most reliable differentiator between a black bear (Ursus americanus) and a brown bear (Ursus arctos), which includes the Grizzly, is the presence of a prominent shoulder hump. Brown bears possess this distinct muscular hump, while black bears do not. Black bears feature a back that is typically more level, with the rump often being the highest point when standing on all fours.
The shape of the face and ears also provides reliable clues for identification. Brown bears have a “dished” or concave facial profile when viewed from the side, and their ears are shorter and more rounded. The black bear, even a brown one, has a straighter profile, sometimes called a “Roman nose,” and its ears are generally taller and more pointed.
Claw structure is another key difference, though it should be observed from a safe distance. Brown bears have long, relatively straight claws, which are adapted for digging and excavating food sources. Black bears have shorter, sharply curved claws that are better suited for climbing trees, which is a common defense mechanism for the species.