Who is that curious, furry creature exploring the forest? It's a black bear! These bears can only be found in North America, and the Adirondacks have the largest black bear population in New York State. Their thick fur is usually black, but it can also be a shade of brown. Black bears like to swim in rivers and lakes. A short swim is a good way for black bears to cool off on a hot day!

Black bears can smell food that is more than a mile away! These bears are omnivores (animals that eat both plants and other animals). They eat fruit, nuts, and insects that are found in their natural habitat. Black bears have very flexible lips that they use to pluck fruit. They rarely hunt other big animals, except during the springtime, when it is difficult to find nutritious plant food. A black bear may eat deer, moose, or elk.

These animals love to explore the forest, and they can run as fast as thirty-five miles an hour! Black bears are also great tree climbers because they have short claws that allow them to grip onto the tree trunks and branches. Sometimes they will search for food in the trees or they're just looking for a place to take a nap. These bears also climb trees to escape from danger. Although black bears are quite large (and can weigh up to six hundred pounds), they get frightened easily and they often make loud noises when they're afraid.

Black bears can live up to forty years, but their average life span ranges from twenty to twenty-five years. Each year, several black bears are killed by hunters. They also struggle to survive when their habitats are destroyed by humans who cut down trees and build highways through the forests.



Why are black bears omnivores?

They can climb trees.
They like to go swimming in the Hudson River.
They eat both plants and animals.
They have a good sense of smell.

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