Mammal
Cinnamon Bear
Ursus americanus cinnamomumAlso known as Cinnamon Black Bear
Cinnamon bears are a distinct reddish-brown color morph and subspecies of the American black bear, found primarily across the Rocky Mountain region and western North America. Despite their striking chestnut coats, they share identical habits with dark-furred black bears, foraging extensively on berries, nuts, insects, and vegetation throughout the warmer months. Solitary by nature, they spend autumn building thick fat reserves before entering winter dens inside hollow logs, rock crevices, or dug-out burrows.
MammalOmnivoreMountain Wildlife
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & preyBerries, Acorns, Insects
Predators
- Grizzly Bear
- Cougar
- Gray Wolf
ThreatsHabitat fragmentation, human-wildlife conflict, vehicle strikes
HabitatsMontane forests, subalpine woodlands, canyons, and river valleys
Life span15–25 years in the wild
Classification
- FamilyUrsidae
- SpeciesUrsus americanus cinnamomum
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskHigh
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is high
- Large wildlife capable of charging if surprised; keep at least 100 meters away and secure all attractants.
- Why it is dangerous
- Powerful jaws and heavy claws can inflict severe or fatal trauma when defending food, territory, or cubs.
- How to recognize a risky encounter
- Medium-sized bear with a warm chestnut or reddish-brown coat, straight facial profile, and short curved claws.
- What to do
- Maintain at least 100 meters distance, carry bear spray, and never approach mothers with cubs.
Responsible observation
- Safe Distance: Keep at least 100 meters away and use a telephoto lens for photography.
- Attractant Control: Use bear-proof canisters or hang scented items high off the ground when camping.
- Trail Etiquette: Make noise while hiking to avoid surprising a bear in dense cover.
Competitor National Park Service / Public domain · cc0
Food Source (c) Nelson Balcar, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Nelson Balcar · cc-by
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