Black Bear Color Phases

Not all black bears are black in color, as you can see with this chocolate colored cub. North American black bears exhibit a range of color phases including brown, cinnamon, blonde, and in the case of the spirit bears of British Columbia, even white. In some western states, brown and cinnamon colored bears are actually more common than black, as the lighter color reduces heat stress in direct sunlight. You can learn more from the North American Bear Center .