There are eight bear species in the world, three of which can be found in the USA. Of the three species of bears found in America, the most common is the American black bear (Ursus americanus). The grizzly bear (Ursus arctos), otherwise known as the brown bear, now numbers fewer than 1,000 in the lower 48 states where they are considered 'Threatened'. The polar bear (Ursus maritimus) is only found in remote northern regions of the US in Alaska. This brochure concentrates on the two species you are most likely to encounter: the black bear and the brown bear.

Black bears and brown (grizzly) bears are hard to distinguish by color. Black bears can vary in color from black, blue-black, dark brown, brown, cinnamon and right through to white. Grizzlies, likewise, may range in color from black to blond.

The grizzly bear has a pronounced shoulder hump, a concave or "dished" facial profile and much larger claws than the black bear. Black bears have a flatter, "Roman-nosed" profile and no pronounced shoulder hump.

Although classified as carnivores, both species are opportunistic omnivores that feed on a variety of foods, including: berries, vegetation, insects, small and large mammals, carrion, as well as fish. Bears will eat and enjoy many of the same foods humans eat.

Bears require large quantities of food to survive and to produce offspring. When food is scarce, bears may travel many miles in search of food; sometimes coming in contact with human settlements.

Contrary to popular perception, bears are not usually aggressive towards humans and, in fact, will try to avoid humans as much as possible. Bears are naturally shy and retiring creatures that typically only act aggressively when threatened. However, a hungry bear will enter a backyard or campground if lured by the smells from a barbecue or trash bin. Bears are natural scavengers. They will remember an easy source of food and will keep returning if the food source is not properly disposed of.

Bears' sense of smell and hearing are far superior to that of humans and their eyesight is at least as good. Despite their somewhat lumbering appearance, bears are fast. A bear can run 66% faster than the world's swiftest sprinter. Bears are also extremely strong. They have been known to bend open car doors and pry open windshields in their search for food.

Making your cottage, campsite, or rural home Bear Safe is often as simple as removing the food sources that attract bears. You can protect yourself, your family, belongings, and our precious bears by following the simple steps in this safety guide.