The Fatal Claw

Québec, Canada 🇨🇦

The black bear is the most common and widespread bear in Canada.  It can be found in the forest of all provinces and territories except Prince Edward Isalnd.

Adults generally measure between 150 and 180 cm from nose to tail and about 90 cm from paws to shoulders when on all fours.

The male weighs between 115 and 270 Kg.  Sharp, curved black claws make it easy for the black bear to climb trees.  He normally moves with a heavy, slow pace, but he can run at about 45 Km/hr and is a very good swimmer.  They are generally more active at night, but can feed or move around at any time of day.

The breeding season is from June to mid-July, but implantation of the embryo in the uterus does not occur until the fall.  Embryo development lasts only ten weeks and the cubs, between one and three per litter, are born naked and blind during hibernation in January or February.  The female leaves the den only when the cubs have their eyes open and are able to follow her.  Black bears can live between 20 and 30 years.

The black bear does not actually hibernate, but enters a lethargic sleep.  As the cold season approaches, the black bear fattens considerably.  They sleep for about 125 days, from early October to May (shorter in warmer regions).  From 38°C, his body temperature reaches between 31° and 34°C, and his respiration and metabolism slow down.  

- The Canadian Encyclopedia