CHEYENNE MOUNTAIN ZOO

Habitat: Moist deciduous forests and bushy areas, especially hills and mountains. In some locations may be found with the brown bear. Elevations as high as 11,811 in the summer and descends in winter.

Physical Characteristics:
· Slightly smaller than the American black bear – height: 4’ 7"-5’ 7"; weight: 110-264 lbs. (males), 103-154 lbs. (females).
· Long, jet black coat with purplish sheen (occasionally brown to reddish brown); white crescent on chest (thus named "moon bear"), with some white on chin. There is often a "mane" of longer hairs at the neck and shoulders.
· Very prominent, rounded ears.
· Walks on all fours, but often stands on hind legs so forepaws can be used for fighting.
· Acute sense of smell better developed than sight and hearing

Adaptations:
· Good climber that frequently forages in trees and on succulent vegetation on avalanche slopes.
· Partially arboreal: frequently sleeps or rests on tree platforms built of branches broken while feeding in summer.

Ecological Niche:
· Primary and secondary consumer (omnivore)—feeds mainly on plant material, especially nuts and fruits, but also eats ants and larvae. May seek out cultivated crops or domestic livestock, but generally tend to avoid human contact.
· Generally nocturnal, sleeping in caves, hollow trees or rock crevices during the day. Can be diurnal when favored fruits are ripening.

Reproduction:
· Pregnant females den. Females leave the den with their young (usually one or two cubs) in May.
· Gestation is not known.
· Cubs stay with mother for about 2 years.

Life Span:
Up to 24 years (33 years in captivity).

Predator/Prey Relationship: Diet includes fruits, buds, invertebrates, and carrion. Domestic livestock is sometimes taken, and animals as large as adult buffalo are killed by breaking the neck. Hunted by man.

Conservation:
· Classified endangered by CITIES.
· Endangered due to hunting and destruction of forest habitats.
· Organs used for medicinal purposes.

Other Information:
The Asiatic black bear and the American black bear share similar habits as well as a common ancestor, Ursus minimus, which appeared about 5 million years ago.

Zoo Diet: Omnivore diet, carnivore meat diet, fruits and vegetables.