Bears Native To North America

There are several bear species native to North America. These include ursus arctos (brown bear), ursus americanus (black bear) and ursus maritimus (polar bear). These three species are of the genus known as ursus. There are many subspecies within these three species. For instance the species ursus arctos contains the subspecies ursus horribilis, commonly known as the grizzly bear. Another subspecies of ursus arctos is the subspecies Ursus arctos middendorffi, commonly known as the kodiak bear. The species ursus americanus and ursus maritimus have far fewer subspecies than ursus arctos.

Ursus Arctos

The brown bear is found throughout the northern hemisphere. They are found mostly in mountainous areas, where human contact is limited. They need large territories in which to feed themselves before they search out a den for the winter months. It should be noted that brown bears do not actually hibernate during this period, but go into a state of semi-hibernation. Some browns bears have been known to be fully active during the winter months. Ursus Arctos is an omnivore as it’s diet consists mostly of plant matter. A small portion of its diet consists of animal matter such as fish. They will on occasion prey on deer, moose or other large mammals.

Ursus Americanus

The black bear is the smallest of the various species of bear located in North America. Its range is far more extensive than the polar or brown bear. These bears have been sighted very close to large metropolitan areas such as Toronto. In fact a few years back one was spotted in the city of Barrie, which is about 100 kilometers north of Toronto. Like the brown bear, they are omnivores.

Ursus Maritimus

The polar bear is found mostly within the Arctic Circle, along the Arctic Ocean. Of all bear native to North America it the closest to being a true carnivore, as its diet consists mostly of seal. They spend most of their time on sea ice, as this provides them with the best opportunity to hunt their primary food source.

Bears such as these rarely attack humans. They would prefer to have nothing to do with us. However certain situations can greatly increase aggressive behavior on their part, such as surprise encounters or if they feel they are being provoked. When travelling in active bear territory make noise, travel in groups, be aware of your surroundings and carry bear spray.

Best Regards

Source by Paul Luciw