Large Mammal
Black Bear
Big, smart, and surprisingly adaptable
Hi, Luvey!
Luvey is a cinnamon-phase black bear with warm reddish-brown fur who came to the Maine Wildlife Park in 2021 after her facility closed. Because she was raised in captivity, she wouldn’t thrive back in the wild. But here in her forever home, she’s happy and gets her favorite foods like nuts, berries, and watermelon (no bananas, please). Her carefully planned menu keeps her healthy and thriving.
Where There's Bears
Black bears are found nearly statewide in Maine. They prefer mixed forests but are highly adaptable, which means they sometimes enjoy a saunter through suburban areas.
Living Alongside Bears
You can help keep bears wild by securing garbage, bringing bird feeders in during bear season, feeding pets indoors, and storing food properly. Fewer temptations mean fewer conflicts, safer outcomes for bears and non-bears, and a lower cat food bill.
In the Wild
Cubs are conceived in summer but don’t start developing until mom settles into her winter den.
With five toes on each foot, bear tracks can look surprisingly human.
Bears don’t truly hibernate, but they do enter a low-energy winter state called torpor, which is relatable.
Managing Maine’s Bears
Maine’s bear management focuses on keeping populations healthy, supporting wildlife viewing, and keeping the peace between man and bear.
Quick Facts
Average Size
Adults range from about 4-6 feet long. Their weight changes dramatically with the seasons as they pack on the pounds for winter. In Maine, adult males average around 250 pounds, while females average closer to 150 pounds.
What's on the Menu
Black bears are omnivores with a strong plant-based diet. They eat fruits, berries, grasses, buds, and nuts, along with insects, carrion, and the occasional small animal. Trouble starts when bears discover easy human food like bird feeders, unsecured trash, or pet food. Once they find a reliable snack source, it’s hard to change their habits.
The Look
Stocky build (don’t tell them we said that), large skulls, small eyes, round ears, curved claws, and a short tail. Black fur is typical but they wear brown well, too. Some black bears have a white blaze on their chest, but we do not know what the other bears think of this style.
