The American Black Bear is the most common and widely distributed bear species in North America. These mammals have black fur, a nutmeg colored snout, small dark brown eyes, and about 42 large teeth. Black bears communicate with various growls, huffs, and tongue clicks. Black bears love to play with various toys, climb large structures like trees and buildings, and have a great sense of smell that helps them find food in the wild. They are omnivores, which means they eat both plants and animals. In the spring and summer, they mostly eat plant matter, and switch to eating fish and small animals in the fall. They can swim up to a mile and a half in fresh water! Bears hibernate for about 6 months of the year. This means that for about half the year, they aren’t eating, drinking, or pooping! Black Bears mate in the spring and are pregnant for a little more than 7 months. Cubs are born during the hibernation months, born blind, nearly hairless, and weighing less than a pound. They will gain 20-30 pounds in just three months! Cubs will remain with their mothers for about 18 months.