# How Long Do American Black Bears Live?

> American Black Bear lifespan is typically 15–25 years in the wild. What shortens or extends life, life stages, and status (Least Concern).

- **Species:** American Black Bear (*Ursus americanus*)
- **Conservation status:** Least Concern
- **Diet:** Omnivore — nuts, berries, insects, carrion, and occasional small mammals
- **Habitat:** Forests, mountains, and wetlands across North America
- **Lifespan:** 15–25 years in the wild
- **Top speed:** Up to 48 km/h (30 mph) in short bursts
- **Canonical HTML:** https://globalanimalguide.org/animals/black-bear/how-long-do-black-bear-live/
- **Parent profile:** https://globalanimalguide.org/animals/black-bear/
- **Last reviewed:** 2026-07-16

## Quick answer

The American black bear is the most common bear in North America, found from Canada to Mexico in forests, swamps, and even suburbs. Despite the name, colours range from jet black to cinnamon, blonde, and the rare white Kermode or 'spirit bear' of British Columbia. Adults typically weigh 45–250 kg and are skilled tree climbers.

## Who should skip this page

Skip this if you need a prognosis for one named animal. This page is a species lifespan range.

## Adaptability and range

Black bears thrive in a wider variety of habitats than grizzlies, including eastern hardwood forests, western conifer woods, Florida swamps, and desert margins where food and cover exist. Their ability to climb trees and tolerate human-altered landscapes helps explain their continued abundance across the continent.

## Help protect the American Black Bear

Black bears face habitat loss and food-conditioning near towns, which puts both bears and people at risk.

[Donate to protect habitat](https://worldanimalrescuenetwork.org/appeals/habitats/)

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Source: Global Animal Guide (https://globalanimalguide.org/animals/black-bear/how-long-do-black-bear-live/). Licensed CC BY-NC 4.0 — free for non-commercial reuse with attribution.