Are there different varieties or subspecies of black bear?
Sixteen subspecies of black bear are currently listed in the scientific literature. The one found in New England is the first-described or “nominate” subspecies, Ursus americanus americanus. However, it is probable that several-if not most-of these alleged subspecies are invalid. It was once a common practice to “describe” new species or subspecies of animals based on minor physical differences among a small sample of animals.
Sixteen subspecies of black bear are currently listed in the scientific literature. The one found in New England is the first-described or “nominate” subspecies, Ursus americanus americanus. However, it is probable that several-if not most-of these alleged subspecies are invalid. It was once a common practice to “describe” new species or subspecies of animals based on minor physical differences among a small sample of animals. For example, some 87 “species” and “subspecies” of North American grizzly/brown bears have been named in the older literature. In reality, only 2 of these may be valid taxonomic entities.
Sixteen subspecies of black bear are currently listed in the scientific literature. The one found in New England is the first-described or “nominate” subspecies, Ursus americanus americanus. However, it is probable that several-if not most-of these alleged subspecies are invalid. It was once a common practice to “describe” new species or subspecies of animals based on minor physical differences among a small sample of animals. For example, some 87 “species” and “subspecies” of North American grizzly/brown bears have been named in the older literature. In reality, only 2 of these may be valid taxonomic entities.
