Black Bears and the Appalachian Plateau

The largest mammals of the Appalachian Plateau are black bears and white-tailed deer, both of which are quite widespread and common. The former, restricted to North America, is today the most numerous bear species remaining in the world. Exceptional male black bears may tip the scales at over 800 pounds, but more typically adults weigh between 150 and 450 pounds. Like most of their relatives, black bears are devotedly omnivorous: They will feast on acorns and other mast nuts, shatter fallen logs to slurp up ants and grubs, nibble on berries and forbs, and, occasionally, prey on deer fawns and feral hogs. White-tailed deer favor lower forests and meadows and join the bears in mast harvest.