The American black bear, the smallest of the three bear’s species found in North America, is endemic to this continent. Black bear fur is a solid color except for a brown muzzle and light markings that sometimes appear on their chest. Eastern populations are usually black in color while western populations often show brown, cinnamon, and blond coloration in addition to black. Most black bears hibernate depending on local weather conditions and availability of food during the winter months. In regions where there is a consistent food supply and warmer weather throughout the winter, bears may not hibernate at all or do so for a very brief time.