Black Bear
Last Update/Review: August 12, 2002
Seasons
The following are composites of all seasons available in each hunting region. Archery seasons are those where only a bow and arrow may be used. General seasons are those in which a firearm or a bow and arrow may be used. Antlered, antlerless and special licence (obtained through a draw) seasons have been combined. Specific season information is provided in the current Alberta Guide to Hunting Regulations, available on-line and in hard copy.
Seasons
(last update 98 May)
| Region | Archery | General |
| Boreal | late Aug to early Sept. | Apr. 1 to Jun. 15 |
| Sept. 1 to Nov. 30 | ||
| Mountains | Apr. 1 to May 31 | April 1 to June 15 |
| late Aug. to late Nov. | early Sept. to late Nov. | |
| Foothills | late Aug. to mid Sept. | April 1 to June 15 |
| early Sept to late Nov. | ||
| Parkland | April 1 to May 31 | April 1 to May 31 |
| early Sept. to late Nov. | early Sept to late Nov. | |
| Prairie | Closed | Closed |
Black Bear (Ursus americanus)
(last update 98 May)
The black bear's long fur varies in color from a shiny black to
blond. A brown individual may often be mistaken for a grizzly,
but is smaller in size. Adult males or boars weigh from 100 to 200
kg (220 to 440 lb.), and adult females or sows weigh from 45 to 140
kg (100 to 310 1b.). In contrast with the grizzly, the facial profile
is a straight line and black bears lack a pronounced shoulder hump.
The claws of the feet are shorter than the grizzly's and make less
of an imprint in tracks.
(For comparative descriptions of grizzly bears and black bears and
how to avoid encounters with these animals, go to The
Bear Facts.)
Black bears usually reach breeding maturity by the age of 3 1/2 years. Mating takes place in June and July. However, development of the embryo is delayed until the fall. One to four cubs are born in February while the sow is in the winter den. Tiny at birth (250 to 350 g, or 9 to 12 oz.), cubs grow rapidly, and weigh about 2 kg (5 lb.) by the time they emerge from the den in April. Boars (males) do not share in the raising of young. Cubs remain with the sow, sharing her den during the second winter. The following spring the cubs leave to forage on their own. Except during the breeding season, and sows with cubs, black bears are basically solitary.
The diet of black bears may include leaves, berries and roots, as well as fish, mice, ground squirrels, or young deer, ants, honey bee grubs and honey. They scavenge on carrion and human refuse.
Black bears are common in open forests throughout the mixed-wood, foothill, and montane life zones. Partial clearing of forests for roads, trails and other developments has improved bear habitat and consequently their numbers have increased in recent years.
The Fish and Wildlife Division estimates the provincial population (in Sept.) to be about 36,000 animals. This estimate is based on population counts in selected areas and hunter harvest information.
For more information about black bears and their management in Alberta, go to Bears in Alberta.
