American Black Bear

High school (ages 12+)
Animals & Nature

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/american-black-bear

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. How many people live in American Black Bear?Estimated over 850,000 individuals across North America
2. What is the scientific name?Ursus americanus
3. What is the conservation status?Least Concern
4. What does an American Black Bear eat?They eat lots of berries, nuts, roots, and sometimes insects, fish, and small animals. They also like garbage sometimes.
5. Why do American Black Bears hibernate?They hibernate in winter to save energy when food is scarce. They don't eat, drink, or go to the bathroom during this time.

Generalist Omnivore: An animal that can eat a wide variety of foods and thrive in diverse environments.
Hibernation: A state of metabolic depression allowing animals to survive periods of cold and food scarcity by reducing energy expenditure.
Altricial: Describes newborns that are underdeveloped, helpless, and require extensive parental care after birth.
Habitat Fragmentation: The process by which large, continuous habitats are broken down into smaller, isolated patches, impacting wildlife populations.