American Black Bear Record Skull

American Black Bear Record Skull Replica measures 14x9x6.5 in. American Black Bear Record Skull is museum quality polyurethane cast. Made in USA. 2-part skull (separate cranium and jaw). Ursus americanus californiensis is the scientific name. Our precise skull can be used as a teaching tool, museum bear skull exhibit, home décor skull, or office décor skull.

The American black bear or Ursus americanus californiensis is a medium-sized bear native to North America. It is the continent’s smallest and most widely distributed bear species. American black bears are omnivores, with their diets varying greatly depending on season and location.

Despite living in North America, American black bears or Ursus americanus californiensis are not closely related to brown bears and polar bears; genetic studies reveal that they split from a common ancestor 5.05 million years ago.

American and Asian black bears are considered sister taxa and are more closely related to each other than to the other modern species of bears.

The skulls of American black bears or Ursus americanus californiensis are broad, with narrow muzzles and large jaw hinges. In Virginia, the total length of adult bear skulls was found to average 10.3 to 12.5 in. Across its range, the greatest skull length for the species has been reportedly measured from 9.3 to 13.8 in.

American black bears or Ursus americanus californiensis females tend to have more slender and pointed faces than males. Their claws are typically black or grayish-brown. The claws are short and rounded, being thick at the base and tapering to a point. Claws from both hind and front legs are almost identical in length, though the foreclaws tend to be more sharply curved.

The paws of the American black bears or Ursus americanus californiensis are relatively large, with a rear foot length of 5.4 to 8.9 in, which is proportionately larger than other medium-sized bear species, but much smaller than the paws of large adult brown, and especially polar, bears.

The soles of the feet are black or brownish and are naked, leathery and deeply wrinkled. The hind legs are relatively longer than those of Asian black bears. The vestigial tail is usually 4.8 inches long. The American black bears or Ursus americanus californiensis ears are small and rounded and are set well back on the head.