The American black bear (Ursus americanus) is a medium-sized bear native to North America. It is the continent's smallest and most widely distributed bear species. Black bears are omnivores, with their diets varying greatly depending on season and location. They typically live in largely forested areas, but do leave forests in search of food. Sometimes they become attracted to human communities because of the immediate availability of food. The American black bear is the world's most common bear species. American black bears are reproductively compatible with several other bear species, and have occasionally produced hybrid offspring.
They are often found in areas with relatively inaccessible terrain, thick understory vegetation and large quantities of edible material (especially masts).
