Color phases occur but are uncommon in eastern populations. Adults are approximately 50 -78 inches in length. Average-sized adult males weigh 300 lbs. and females 150 lbs. The black bear once occurred ...

By genus and species, it’s an American black bear. But if both parents (no matter their color) have the same mutation in a gene that affects pigment production, their offspring will have white fur.

While the pictured "black bears'" fur is shown to be brown, this is actually a fur color black bears sometimes have. Missouri Department of Conservation Furbearer Biologist Nate Bowersock said ...