How Much Do Black Bears Weigh?

Black bears are magnificent creatures whose size can leave you in awe. While they may dwarf many common animals like dogs and cats, it’s fascinating to realize they start off remarkably small. In fact, black bear cubs are born far smaller than human babies, making their growth and development truly impressive.

Size and Growth of Black Bears

Black bears come in various sizes, with males generally larger than females. Their size is influenced primarily by the availability of food in their environment. As omnivores, black bears have a diverse diet that includes plants, grasses, berries, nuts, insects, fish, and sometimes even small deer and moose. Access to plentiful food allows black bears to grow to substantial sizes. On average, female black bears reach a maximum weight of around 175 pounds, while males often surpass 400 pounds.

To give you a better understanding of their size at different stages of life, let’s compare the growth of black bears to that of humans.

Black Bears at Birth and Early Growth

When black bear cubs are born, they weigh only about 8 ounces—remarkably tiny compared to the average human newborn, who weighs around 7 pounds, with some even tipping the scales at over 10 pounds. This stark difference underscores the small size of black bear cubs at birth.

At 4 months old, a black bear cub weighs around 5 pounds, still significantly smaller than a human baby at the same age, who averages around 14 pounds—almost three times the size of the young bear.

However, by 1 year of age, black bear cubs experience rapid growth, weighing in at about 50 pounds, while a human child at the same age usually weighs around 22 pounds. The bear’s dramatic growth in its first year illustrates how quickly these animals develop compared to humans.

By the time a 4-year-old human reaches around 35-37 pounds, a young bear of the same age can weigh between 125 and 150 pounds. This difference continues to widen as they grow. At 8 years old, an average human child weighs about 57 pounds, while female bears typically weigh 150 pounds, and males often weigh closer to 275 pounds—almost five times the weight of a human child.

Adult Black Bears: Size and Weight

Fully grown female black bears typically weigh between 150 and 175 pounds, while males generally average 275 pounds. However, there are exceptional cases. Some male black bears can reach over 400 pounds, and in rare instances, exceed 800 pounds.

One of the heaviest recorded female black bears weighed an astounding 520 pounds, found in Minnesota in 1993. The heaviest male black bear on record was shot in 1972 in Canada. When dressed, it weighed an impressive 902 pounds, meaning it likely weighed over 1,000 pounds while alive. Other notable cases have documented black bears reaching upwards of 800 pounds.

Longevity and Life Span

Black bears generally live around 10 years in the wild, but in favorable conditions, they can live up to 30 years. With no significant natural predators, black bears have ample time to reach their full size and thrive, especially when they live in regions with abundant food.

Contact Us Today

Despite their small beginnings, black bears grow rapidly and can reach between 200 and 300 pounds by the time they are 8 years old, depending on their gender and habitat conditions.

At Yellowstone Bear World, you have the unique opportunity to witness these magnificent creatures up close. Our guided tours allow you to observe black bears in their natural habitat and learn more about their fascinating lives. To explore our experiences and learn more, give us a call at (208) 359-9688 or contact us online. Come experience the awe-inspiring beauty of black bears at Yellowstone Bear World!