As you can see from this map, the American black bear's range has dwindled significantly. It has lost over 60% of its range. The light grey areas represent its historic distribution which included most of the United States and large parts of Canada and Mexico.

The black bear is called the 'American Black Bear' because of its presence throughout North America.

According to the Action Plan, black bears in Louisiana, Eastern Texas, and sourthern Mississippi are federally listed as a threatened species (under the Endangered Species Act of 1973). Seven states classify them as rare, threatened, or endangered. Florida has a dual designation with two of its northern populations still classified as 'game' -- while all other populations are classified as threatened.

The majority of states consider habitat loss and loss of contiguous travel corridors as majors threats to the species. Limited public knowledge of bear biology and characteristics is also seen as a threat.

Black bears are classified as a game species in 33 states, although five of these states have no open hunting season (Alabama, Maryland, Nevada, New Jersey, and Oklahoma). To find out more about the status of hunting black bears in your state, go to HUNTER SERVICES - STATE GAME AND FISH INFORMATION