Difference Between Black and Brown Bears

Black Bears vs Brown Bears

It is really confusing to tell the black bear from a brown bear. A difference can be made out only if the bears are closely watched.

One of the main differences is in their colour itself. The brown bear have colours that vary from blonde colour to black. These bars have lighter tip at the guard hairs. The colour of the black bears ranges from light blonde to black. Moreover, these bears only have a light colour patch in the chest region. The snout also comes in light colours.

Another difference noticeable between black and brown bears is in the size. The brown bears are larger than the black bears. An average male brown bear will weigh about 225 kilograms whereas a male black bear weighs about 180 kilograms. The brown bears are also seen to be slightly taller than the black bears. An average brown bear will have a height of one metre at the shoulders whereas the black bear will only have 0.9 metres.

When comparing the physical features, the brown bears have shoulder humps, which are not see in black bears. When looking at the face, it can be seen that the brown bears have a depression in between the eyes to the nose end. On the other hand, the black bears have straight line between forehead and nose tip. The black bears have larger ears and are pointed when compared to the brown bears.

There is also a big difference in the claws. The brown bears have larger claws than the black bears. The brown bears have claws that measures about five to 10 cm. On the contrary, the black bears have claws that measure about 4 cm. The claws of brown bears are visible where as it is not visible in black bears.

Summary

1. The brown bear have colours that vary from blonde colour to black colour. The colour of the black bears ranges from light blonde to black.
2. The brown bears are larger than the black bears. An average male brown bear will weigh about 225 kilograms whereas a male black bear weighs about 180 kilograms.
3. The brown bears are also seen to be slightly taller than the black bears.
4. The brown bears have shoulder humps, which are not see in black bears.
5. The brown bears have larger claws than the black bears. The claws of brown bears are visible where as it is not visible in black bears.