Black Bears Live Near You - Bear Facts
- Black Bear (Ursus americanus) only bear species in Nova Scotia
- Average Size: 45 - 200 Kg (100 - 440 lbs.)
- Diet: Omnivore. Can smell food over 1 km away.
- Young: Average 1 to 3 cubs, born in January/February. Cubs remain with mother for a full year.
- Average Life Span: 12 Years
- Activity Pattern: Nocturnal; hibernate in winter
- Excellent climbers and swimmers and can sprint short distances at speeds up to 56 km/h.
- Prefer wooded areas and swamps but will readily approach settled areas for easy access to food sources such as garbage, agricultural crops and bee hives.
- As bears get older, they select a particular area in which to live which they are reluctant to leave.
- Most problem bears are young animals that are out on their own for the first time.