Black Bear Biology:  What's Under All That Fur?

 
How Big Are Black Bears?

Adult Weight

  According to the Black Bear Facts web page: 

• Most wild male Black Bears weigh between 57 and 227 kg, averaging 135 kg ... with the record being 400 kg
• Most wild females weigh between 40 to 140 kg, averaging 70 kg ... with the heaviest known female weighing 236 kg

Note: Black Bears in captivity may exceed these weights

According to the BC Government the weight of Back Bears varies according to whether:>

•  They are male or female
•  Their age
•  The season
•  The food supply
•  The geographic area in which they live

Adult Size

•  Black Bear males are larger than females: 

  • Height:    60 to 90 cm in shoulder height 
  • Length:   130 to 190 cm from nose to their tail
  • Width:      80 t0 300cm

Learn more about the Size of Black Bears