🐻 Black Bear
Ursus americanus
About
The hind print looks startlingly human — a broad foot with five toes lined up along the top edge.
Track
Front 4–5 in wide, hind 7–9 in long. Five toes arranged in a gentle arc. Long claw marks ahead of the toes. Wide, flat heel pad on the hind foot. Front track much shorter and blockier than hind.
Where they live
Forests, mountain slopes, swamps, berry thickets. Forested regions of Canada, the U.S., and northern Mexico.
When they're active
Mostly daytime and dusk, more nocturnal near people
What they eat
Omnivore: berries, nuts, insects, fish, carrion
Fun fact
Black bears can smell food from more than a mile away — and they never forget a spot.
Should I be concerned?
Stay calm and do not run. Back away slowly, make yourself known with a firm voice, secure food and trash, and never approach cubs.