Our New Black Bear - Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum - Skip Links

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Photo by Jay Pierstorff Black Bear Fun Facts Cubs are about the size of a soup can when born and are altricial (helpless) at birth

Bears have color vision

Bears are very intelligent with excellent long-term memory

A female bear is called a sow and a male is called a boar

Bears have an excellent sense of smell

A bear's claws can be more dangerous than its bite

They are very adaptable to new environments and have a large range area

Black bears aren't always black. They can be cinnamon brown, silver-blue and, occasionally, even white, which is known as a spirit bear

Bears are solitary except for females with young cubs More Bear Facts

Introducing the Museum's New Black Bear Cub!

Background Information

Meet the museum's newest resident and watch her grow. This 11-month old, female cub, was rescued in Payson, Arizona at 5 months of age in August 2014. She was found with a broken leg which might have been caused by a passing motor vehicle. Unable to be released back into the wild, her adoption by the Desert Museum was coordinated by the Arizona Game and Fish Department.

Come out and watch as her personality reveals itself. Will she be shy? Will she be curious? Will she be playful? One of her favorite activities is lounging in a pool so it's a sure bet she'll be thrilled by the pool and waterfall in her new home in the Mountain Woodland area of the museum. Experience her youthful antics as she explores and discovers the best play areas in her new home. Black bears are known for their natural curiosity so she'll be checking you out too!

What's in a Name?

My name is Strawberry!

This name was selected by voting fans. Did you know I was rescued near Strawberry, Arizona?

The names 'Ursula', 'Strawberry' and 'Judumi' were selected by the staff of the Mammalogy & Ornithology Department, and follow the Museum's tradition of selecting names that are particular to the Sonoran Desert region, or are related to the scientific name for animals.

Bear Rescue Facts