A Little Black Bear Biology....

[Fletch]

Some of you may find this interesting others may already have the knowledge of a Black Bears breeding process... Black bears mainly mate in May and June and give birth in Jan. or early Feb. At birth the average bear cub is 11 ounces... Yes you heard me right 11 ounces... An animal that can reach 800+ pounds in some areas gives birth to an 11 ounce cub after being bred almost 8 months ago???? The reason is black bears have whats called "DELAYED IMPLANTATION".... The seed got fertilized in May or June but floats around in the sow till approx. Nov. "DORMANT"... At which time it attaches to the uterine wall and the cubs start to grow for approx. 45-60 days giving birth in Jan. or early Feb....

 

[Dustinb80]

Interesting

 

[Outdoorsfellar]

And now we know " The rest of the story "

 

["J"]

Damn, did not know that...

 

[MoonLab]

Nice to know, thanks

 

[giles]

 

[finelyshedded]

Very interesting Rich. Are the black bears the only bears that have this delayed implantation process?

 

[Fletch]

Ric... There are numerous other mammals that have delayed implantation... Im not sure of other bears.. Ive gained a little knowledge from bear bioligists I know.. Ive been fortunate enough to go on bear cub tagging trips in Pa. This are alot of fun as you get to handle the cubs and keep them warm while mom is getting her batteries in collar changed and them the cubs get weighed,tagged and put back with mom...

 

[angelzd28]

Good info!

 

[teej89]

that's pretty cool! Thanks for sharing!