Description

The Florida black bear is the largest native land mammal in the state. The Florida black bear measures in at 5 to 6 feet long and 3 feet high at the shoulder. Female black bears can weigh on average anywhere between 150 to 300 pounds, while male black bears tip the scales at 250 to 450 pounds. On seldom occasions, larger black bears are discovered in the wild weighing up to over 600 pounds!

The Florida black bear has a coat of shiny black, long fur and a light brown muzzle. Some black bears have a white diamond-shaped blaze on their chests. They also have a short tail that is usually hidden by its long fur. Each paw is equipped with 5 non-retractable claws used generally for hunting, digging, and climbing. In spite of the fact that black bears can stand and walk on their back legs it is more customary for them to be found traveling on all fours. For a short period of time these bears can reach speeds in excess of 30 mph!