A Black Bear (Ursus americanus) cub in a pine tree, Jasper National Park, Alta.

© Donald M. Jones/Minden Picture

Skilled tree-climber. Active after hibernation

Black bears make for the most common bears across Canada. While they typically live in forests, they can also be found in mountains and swamps. Their habitat is characterized by accessibility to their prime source of food such as grass, roots, berries and insects. Male black bears can weigh up to 270 kilograms and female black bears can weigh up to 140 kilograms. While they make for excellent tree-climbers, they are also skilled at running and swimming.