The Different Color Phases of Black Bears You read the title correctly; black bears are not always black in color. In fact, black bears come in more colors than any other North American mammal. In the Eastern United States, the black bear is often black.
No one knows for sure why black bears come in so many different colors, but scientists suggest that the colors allow bears to adapt to their habitat; bears in densely wooded areas that are dark and shady are often darker colored than bears in open, sun. Discover the surprising truth about black bears - they're not always black! Learn about the varying color phases and where to find them on your next bear hunting adventure. Two uncommon color phases are discovered in populations that are geographically isolated by mountains in coastal British Columbia and southeast Alaska.
On a few islands off the coast of British Columbia, the Kermode bear, a subspecies of the black bear (Ursus americanus kermodei), makes its home. Background of Color Phase Black Bear Hunting Did you know that besides squirrels, black bears come in more colors than any other mammal on the continent? Black bears are majestic creatures that roam the forests and mountains throughout North America. While their name suggests they are only black, that is not the case.
This leads to the strange realization that black bears come in more colors than just black. They appear in shades of brown, blonde, white, "blue," gray, cinnamon, and, of course, black. Though named 'black' bears, they come in a variety of hues, including brown and even white, depending on genetics and location.
Is it possible to find black bears in colors other than black? The most common colors of bears are black, brown, and white. What many people do not know is that bears can also come in a myriad of color variation. While it is true that each bear species may have a distinct fur color, bears can actually grow hair similar to humans.
Some bears are even arguably blue in color. Among all bears, the most diverse in coloration is the American Black Bear.