278 CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES [Proc. 4th Ser. 



Explanation, Plate 9 

 NORTHWESTERN BLACK BEAR 



(t/rsus americanus alti frontalis) 



The Black Bear in its various forms ranges generally from the Atlantic 

 to the Pacific and from northern Mexico to Alaska. The specimens in 

 this group were taken in Humboldt County, California. 



In California, as elsewhere, the Black Bear may be either black or 

 brown. In some instances both black and brown cubs are found in the 

 same litter, and with either a black or a brown mother. Brown bears 

 are sometimes confused with the Grizzly, which is now believed to be 

 extinct in California. 



Black bears occasionally kill sheep and pigs, but they live chiefly on 

 nuts, roots and berries. Grubs, worms and insects also enter largely 

 into their menu. 



As a rule the Black Bear is a wary animal and will rarely or never 

 attack a man unless wounded or cornered. 



From one to four cubs (usually one or two) are produced in a litter. 

 The cubs are usually born in January (in California) and are helpless 

 little creatures ; their eyes, like those of puppies and kittens, are closed 

 and do not open for some time. They have no teeth and are almost 

 naked. Although the mother bear may weigh three or four hundred 

 pounds, the whole litter of cubs will weigh less than a pound. The cubs 

 shown in this group were about two months old when taken. 



Group prepared under the direction of John Rowley. 



Photo by Gabriel Moulin. 



