Of the three types of bears found in North America, only the black bear roams through the woods of the Sierra Nevada.

The smallest of the three North American bears, the black bear reaches about 5 feet tall when standing, and can weigh up to 450 lbs.

The name is sometimes misleading, as the fur of the black bear can vary widely, anywhere from black to blond. Black bears generally have lighter fur around the nose, and are often found with a white spot on the chest.

In normal conditions, a black bear will feed mostly on fruits, nuts, seeds, and plants, but will never pass up a meal of fish or carrion. Black bears will increase food intake in the fall for winter hibernation, which may last four to seven months, depending on the severity of the winter. Bear hibernation is not deep, and bears have been known to forge for food during calm periods of winter weather.

The black bear, unlike its larger cousin the brown (grizzly) bear, is extremely adaptable. It is this ability which keeps black bear numbers relatively large, and allows the black bear to take up residence throughout North America.

Unfortunately, this adaptability is also the bear's weakness. With the encroachment of human settlements into traditional bear habitat, the black bear has discovered that human food is relatively easy to acquire and tends to be plentiful. With this easily accessible food at hand, interactions between the black bear and humans is increasing.