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black bear
noun
: the common North American bear (Ursus americanus) ranging in color from brown or typical black to white
Examples of black bear in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
There were fewer coyotes in forested areas inhabited by black bears.
—Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 7 Nov. 2024
Directed by Adam MacDonald, Backcountry follows a young couple, Alex (Jeff Roop) and Jenn (Missy Peregrym), a couple that takes a camping trip in a remote Canadian forest, only to find themselves being stalked and chased by a deadly black bear.
—Travis Bean, Forbes, 12 Oct. 2024
In addition to the need for food, Moul said habitat loss caused by wildfires could push black bears into human development and areas they wouldn’t normally be seen.
—John Leos, The Arizona Republic, 2 Nov. 2024
Bear hunting season has begun in New Jersey – a controversial decision that state officials say is intended to curb the population of black bears interacting with humans.
—Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 14 Oct. 2024
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Word History
First Known Use
1589, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near black bear
Cite this Entry
“Black bear.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/black%20bear. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.
Kids Definition
black bear
noun
: the common usually black-furred bear found in North American forests
More from Merriam-Webster on black bear
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about black bear
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