Critters of Massachusetts: Pocket Guide to Animals in Your State (Wildlife Pocket Guides for Kids) - Softcover

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Alex Troutman is a wildlife biologist, birder, nature enthusiast, and science communicator from Austell, Georgia. He has a passion for sharing the wonders of nature and introducing the younger generation to the outdoors. He holds both a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in biology from Georgia Southern University (the Real GSU), with a focus in conservation. He knows what it feels like to not see individuals who look like you or come from a similar background, doing the things you enjoy or working in the career that you aspire to be in. So Alex makes a point not only to be that representation for the younger generation but also to make sure that kids have exposure to the careers they are interested in and the diverse scientists working in those careers.

Alex is the co-organizer of several Black in X weeks, including Black Birders Week, Black Mammologists Week, and Black in Marine Science Week. This movement encourages diversity in nature, the celebration of Black individual scientists, awareness of Black nature enthusiasts, and diversity in STEAM fields.

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Black Bear
Ursus americanus

Size: 5–6 feet long (nose to tail); weighs 90–600 pounds

Habitat: Forests, mountains, lowland areas, and swamps

Range: In Massachusetts, black bears can be found in central and western parts of the state. They are found in much of North America, from northern Canada down into Mexico.

Food: Berries, fish, crops, small mammals, wild grapes, tree shoots, ants, bees, and even deer fawns

Den: Denning usually starts in December, with bears emerging in late March or April. Dens can be either dug (out of a hillside, for example) or constructed with materials such as leaves, grass, and moss.

Young: Two cubs are usually born at one time (a litter), often in January. Cubs are born blind and without fur, with pink skin. They weigh 8–16 ounces.

Predators: Humans and other bears. Sometimes, other carnivores, such as mountain lions, wolves, coyotes, or even bobcats, will prey on black bears. Cubs are especially vulnerable.

Tracks: Front print is usually 4–6 inches long and 3.5–5 inches wide, with the hind foot being 6–7 inches long and 3.5–5 inches wide. The feet have five toes.

Black bears are usually black in color, but they can be many different variations of black and brown. Some even have grayish, reddish, or blond fur.

Did you know?
Female bears weigh between 90 and 300 pounds and are smaller than the average adult human male in the US. But don’t let their small size fool you; with a bite force around 800 pounds per square inch (PSI) and a swiping force of over 400 pounds, these bears are not to be taken lightly.