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black bear
noun
: the common North American bear (Ursus americanus) ranging in color from brown or typical black to white
Examples of black bear in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Don’t climb trees: Grizzlies and black bears can also climb.
—Helena Wegner, Sacramento Bee, 5 June 2024
The sightings appear to coincide with reports of a black bear swimming Wednesday in the Ramsey Creek Park beach area.
—Joe Marusak, Charlotte Observer, 25 May 2024
One species in particular that opponents of the amendment worry will be negatively affected is the Florida black bear.
—Alyssa Johnson, Miami Herald, 24 May 2024
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife is looking for a person who allegedly sliced four paws off a black bear over the weekend in Placer County.
—Ishani Desai, Sacramento Bee, 21 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for black bear
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'black bear.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1589, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near black bear
Cite this Entry
“Black bear.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/black%20bear. Accessed 13 Jun. 2024.
Kids Definition
black bear
noun
: the common usually black-furred bear found in North American forests
More from Merriam-Webster on black bear
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about black bear
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