BEAR FACTS

   

The black bear's name can be tricky. It really doesn't have anything to do with its color. It is the name of its species. They can be anywhere from a pure black to a cinnamon color and even a blonde! There are black bears in Alaska that have a blue and white color to blend in with their surroundings.

   During the fall, they eat more to gain body fat to last them through their winter "hibernation." Bears do not hibernate but instead fall into a deep sleep. When food is in a large amount they will eat up to 40 pounds a day and gain 5 pounds a day to prepare for winter. During "hibernation" the bear might eat only once a week. If it is really cold, the bear won't eat for a month!

   The cubs are born during "hibernation" in late January. When the bear is born, it weighs about 9 ounces and is about as big as a stick of butter! From then on, they grow very quickly.

   Black bears are very different from grizzly bears. They are good tree climbers and often sleep in trees.

   Black bears and hogs are a lot alike. For instance, the male bear and hog are both called "boars" and the female bear and hog are called "sows." They can both live up to 25 years old.

 

 

Directions: Use the information above to fill in the blanks.

  1. Are all black bears black? Give examples._________________________________ ________________________________________________________________

  2. What colors are black bears in Alaska? __________________________________

  3. When there is food in a large amount, about how many pounds does the bear gain in one day? _________________________

  4. If it is really cold, how long can a bear go without eating? _____________________

  5. When are cubs born?  _______________________________________________

  6. How much do cubs weigh when they are born? ______________________________

  7. How big are cubs when they are first born? _______________________________

  8. Give two reasons how a black bear is different from a grizzly bear. 1._____________ __________________  2. ___________________________________________ 

  9. What is the life span of the black bear? __________________________________

  10. What do black bears and hogs have in common?______________________________ ________________________________________________________________

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