Dr. Puckett and colleagues didn’t find significant support for these two hypotheses and instead proposed that this could be a case of crypsis — matching the environment to avoid predation. While black bears grow to be strong predators in their own right, especially as cubs they can become meals for mountain lions, wolves, bobcats, even other bear species. In the case of U. americanus, a cinnamon coat would match the more open southwest landscape, while a darker coat would blend into the forests back east.
American black bears aren’t the first bears thought to use cryptic coloration — the giant panda is believed to use its opposing colors to blend into a mix of dark and light surroundings. But the researchers aren’t ruling out the possibility that mimicry, thermoregulation and crypsis could be working together to benefit U. americanus, “providing little fitness advantages on multiple physiological and behavioral fronts,” Dr. Puckett said.
More people will likely encounter U. americanus as the bears continue to expand their range, said Sue Fairbanks, an ecologist at Oklahoma State University who was not involved in the work. Over the last few decades, increased protections for U. americanus — including stricter hunting laws — as well as restoration of their deforested habitats and, in some places, bear reintroduction programs, have meant humans and bears are coming face-to-face more often. In Dr. Fairbanks’ state, for instance, people will report seeing grizzlies. But grizzlies don’t live in Oklahoma.
“We have to keep reminding people that black bears can be brown,” she said. How to Survive a Bear AttackHow much do you know about bear behavior and avoiding a bear attack? What you know — or don’t know — could determine how likely you are to survive an encounter with a testy bear.