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Florida 4-H Forest Ecology

Florida 4-H Forest Ecology

Black Bear*

Ursus americanus

bear
Photo credit: Darrin Masters

The black bear was once a common animal throughout Florida, but can now only be found in a few, large areas where its habitat has not been fragmented. It is a threatened species in Florida.

The black bear likes to live in forested areas with dense understory. Ideal habitat is thick, swampy areas with diverse vegetation. The black bear is the smallest of North American bears, with the average male weighing 270 pounds and the average female weighing 170 pounds.

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* Intermediates may be asked to identify these animals by tracks.