Are black bears good climbers? Are they good swimmers? How fast can they run?
Black bear climbing a treeBlack bears undoubtedly evolved as forest animals and are rarely found far from trees. They are excellent climbers and easily ascend trees by hooking or gripping them with their short, narrow claws. Cubs are capable of climbing as soon as they exit their natal den and readily climb in response to intrusion by strange bears or humans. The sow does not need to signal the cubs to climb, although she may readily do so. Cubs can easily climb to 100 feet or more. Black bears of all ages retain the climbing ability, although some old, large males may be reluctant to do so. The bears climb not only to escape a threat but also to rest, sleep, play, nurse, obtain food, or attain shelter. Black bears are also good swimmers and do not hesitate to enter water, whether to cross a waterway or to bathe or wallow. Two bears translocated to a small island in Newfoundland swam at least 0.6 mile through salt water to return to the capture site.
