What is a black bear's niche?

The American black bear is an omnivore found across North America. Black bears mostly eat plant foods supplemented by carrion. Black bears prefer forested areas with sparse human habitation. Cubs are sometimes killed by wolves or mountain lions, but adults have no natural predators.

American black bears are the world's most common bear, although certain subspecies are rare. Their diet varies by season and region but includes grasses, roots, tubers, nuts, berries and insects. Most of the meat they eat is scavenged, but they do hunt for fish and small mammals when the opportunity arises. Black bears hibernate during the cold months and may lose up to 40 percent of their body weight during that time.