Polar, black, or brown? Get to know the bears of America

On a hunting trip, President Theodore Roosevelt was “presented” with a young black bear that had been tied to a tree for him to kill. Considering the situation unsportsmanlike, the president refused to shoot the bear, inspiring the creation of the beloved “Teddy Bear.”

Though their likeness can be found in the bedrooms of most children, bears remain among the least understood large mammals in the country.

Read on to learn about the three species of bears in the U.S., how to tell them apart and what to do if you encounter one in the wild.

Black Bears

The most abundant and adaptable bear species in North America, black bears can be found from the wooded suburbs of New England, to the lush temperate rainforests of the Pacific Northwest, to the high deserts of Arizona.

Despite their name, black bears are not always black. There are currently 16 recognized subspecies of black bears and they can be black, brown, blond, cinnamon and even white. Black bears are the smallest of the North American bears, with adults weighing between 90 and 500 pounds; on all fours, they average between two and three feet in height.

Black bears’ rumps are higher than their shoulders, distinguishing them from other bears. They also have straight muzzles and short curled claws which make them skilled tree-climbers.

Because of their smaller stature and mild manner, black bears are considered less dangerous than their larger cousins. This being said, they are still incredibly strong and even a casual swipe can cause serious injury. As with any other bear, black bears should be treated with respect and given lots of space.

Brown Bears

Though once prevalent across the western United States, brown bears were nearly eradicated in the 1800s and now live in isolated pockets of the Lower 48, specifically in Idaho, Montana, Wyoming and Washington (though they can be found throughout Alaska).

Their shaggy coats can range from dark chocolate to blond and they can be identified by their sloping muzzle, long claws, and iconic muscular shoulder hump which enables them to dig at the ground for roots and grubs with ease.

Inland bears, known as grizzly bears, are distinct from the larger coastal brown bears of Alaska. While still massive, grizzlies pale in comparison to their coastal relatives — the Kodiak bear of southwest Alaska can weigh up to 1,500 pounds and measure 10 feet tall on two legs, making it the largest living bear in the world.

Though often depicted as aggressive, brown bears are generally shy and non-confrontational, especially around humans.

Polar Bears

Because of their dependence on fatty marine mammals for food, Polar bears have the most limited range of the North American bears. If you’re not in northern Alaska or Canada, the bear you’ve just seen is not a polar bear.

The hairs that make up their distinctive coats are transparent (their skin is actually black), but reflect all colors, making these bears appear white. They may appear slim on account of their long necks, narrow heads, and small ears, but polar bears are hefty; it is not uncommon for males to reach weights upwards of 1,200 pounds on average.

Polar bears are far more reliant on meat than other bears. They thrive come winter, waiting patiently for seals to emerge at the breathing holes they carve into the ice. The only polar bears that don’t stay active during the winter are pregnant females, who retreat into ice dens where they give birth.

With the advance of summer, polar bears are forced onto land as the sea ice melts. Increasingly long warm summers can be devastating to polar bears, as they lose the easy access to blubber-rich seals.

What should you do if you see a bear?

Bears are intelligent and charismatic animals. Observing one in the wild can be a thrilling experience, but it’s important to keep in mind that these are wild animals that need a lot of space.

Most wild bears want nothing to do with humans, and their natural inclination is to run away. But if you’re going to be in bear country — especially in the vicinity of brown and polar bears — it is important to research the recommendations of local authorities and prepare accordingly.

Across the U.S. a misunderstanding of bears as bloodthirsty monsters prompted campaigns of mass slaughter, devastating their population. Grizzly bears suffered some of the worst losses — between 1800 and 1975, the number of grizzlies in the Lower 48 plummeted from 50,000 to just 700. The species has rebounded slightly, but their status remains precarious as politicians continue to vie for their removal from the endangered species list.

Environmental Action is working to maintain endangered species protections for grizzlies, defend the forest homes of black bears and curb carbon emissions that melt the sea ice relied upon by polar bears.

With you by our side, we can ensure these amazing animals have a long and sweet future.