A little reason to celebrate
National Black Bear Day
Animal ยท June 5
A look at the American black bear, North America's most widespread bear, and calm, respectful ways to appreciate it from a distance.
National Black Bear Day falls on Saturday, June 5, 2027. That is 221 days away.
The American black bear is the bear most people in North America are likely to meet, if they meet one at all. It lives in forests, swamps and mountains across much of the continent, and it is usually shy around people.
The name is a little misleading. Many black bears are black, but plenty are brown, cinnamon or blond, and a few are nearly white. A better clue is the shape: black bears have a straight face profile, tall ears and no big shoulder hump.
They eat mostly plants. Berries, nuts, grasses and roots make up much of the menu, along with insects and the occasional carcass. Their noses are famously keen, which is why a cooler left on a picnic table can draw a visitor. In colder places they spend the winter denned up, and cubs are born in the den.
Black bears are also good climbers. Cubs scramble up trees when they sense danger, and adults can climb too, using short curved claws.
The best way to appreciate them is from far away. Parks and wildlife agencies post local guidance on storing food, carrying bear spray and what to do during an encounter. Following those rules keeps bears wild and keeps people safe, and in bear country it often means a locked bin and a tidy campsite.
Ways to celebrate
- Read your nearest park's guidance on living and hiking in bear country.
- Watch a nature documentary or wildlife webcam featuring black bears.
- Secure trash and pet food so local wildlife is not tempted.
- Learn to tell a black bear from a grizzly by face and shoulder shape.
- Donate to or volunteer with a local wildlife conservation group.
Dates
| Year | Date |
|---|---|
| 2026 | Friday, June 5 |
| 2027 | Saturday, June 5 |
| 2028 | Monday, June 5 |
| 2029 | Tuesday, June 5 |
| 2030 | Wednesday, June 5 |
Also on June 5
- National Gingerbread Day
- National Bubbly Day
- Hot Air Balloon Day
- National Veggie Burger Day
- National Trails Day
- National Moonshine Day
Categories: Animal days