Bear Characteristics

If you are going to hunt black bear, you must know the bear characteristics! Look for a combination of characteristics.

Black Bear Characteristics

• Straight face profile
• Tall pointed ears
• No shoulder hump
• Short claws: front claw, 1½ inches long

Grizzly Bear Characteristics

• Dished face profile
• Short rounded ears
• Shoulder hump
• Long claws: front claw, 2 to 4 inches long

Color and size can be misleading. Learn how to identify bears. Visit FWP's new bear identification website.