Identification: Head and body five to six feet; height at shoulders two to three feet. Color varies from black to cinnamon to nearly white. There is usually a small patch of white on the breast. Habitat: Primarily forests, swamps; in west, chiefly mountainous areas. Habits: Mostly nocturnal, but occasionally abroad at midday. Usually solitary, except female with cubs. Eats berries, nuts, tubers, insects and their larvae, small mammals, eggs, honey, carrion, garbage. Dens beneath downed tree, in hollow log or tree, beneath roots, or wherever there is shelter. Semi-hibernates in winter in the north. Males may range 15 miles or more, females less. Speed more than 30 mph for short distances. Sight is poor, hearing moderate, sense of smell good. Voice varies from a loud growl when fighting to a woof woof to warn cubs of danger and a whimper to call cubs. May live 30 or more years. Young: Born in winter den, January or February; normally two cubs, but at times one to three; gestation period seven to eight months; one litter every other year. Eyes of cubs open at 25 to 30 days; weaned in August but may stay with mother for one year; first mate at three years.
