Black bears are Ontario’s largest land mammals and one of the province’s most iconic wildlife species. Found across forests, wetlands, and rugged wilderness, they are highly adaptable omnivores, feeding on berries, nuts, acorns, plants, insects, and occasionally carrion. Despite their size and strength, black bears are generally shy and prefer to avoid people, spending much of their time foraging to build fat reserves for winter hibernation.

Their coats vary from jet black to chocolate brown, and in rare cases even cinnamon, making each bear unique. In Ontario, black bears play an important role in the ecosystem by dispersing seeds and maintaining healthy forest growth. They are a symbol of the Canadian wild — powerful, resourceful, and perfectly at home in the vast landscapes they inhabit.