What are the sizes and weights of black bears?
Black bear life history summaries have variously reported weights ranging from 88 to 400 lbs. for adult females, and 132 to 617 lbs. for adult males. Lengths have been reported as 51 to 75 inches for adult males and 43 to 67 in. for adult females and shoulder heights at 31 in. for females and 40 in. for males. A tabulation of average and range of lengths and weights from 10 states is shown in the accompanying table. Comparisons should be made with caution. Weights and lengths may vary depending on geography, season of the year, age of the animal, whether the animal was live or field-dressed, and the particular technique or skill of the persons taking the measurements.
