British Columbia - Canada

Typical coloration is is black to cinnamon with a white blaze on the chest and in the east, black. On Gribble Island and the neighbouring mainland individuals are nearly white. The snout is tan or grizzled with a straight or slightly convex profile. Average weight is 200-600 pounds.

1-5 cubs are born in January to early February generally every second year. The young weigh only one-half a pound at birth. This uniquely North American bear is generally nocturnal and solitary. It is classed as a carnivore although most of its diet consists of vegetation such as twigs, buds, leaves, nuts, roots, various fruits, corn and berries. They are also good fisherman and feed on spawning salmon. Before winter it puts on a great supply of fat, then holes up for the winter in a sheltered place. Hunting black bears is a popular sport, the meat is eaten and often the hides are made into rugs.