Black bears are 4 to 7 feet from nose to tail, 2 to 3 feet high at the shoulders, and have small eyes, rounded ears, a long snout, a short tail, and light gray skin. Their fur is shaggy or sleek, depending upon season. Right now the fur is silky sleek and glistens in the sunlight. This bear was a long distance away and it's one of those times you're glad you have a moderately long telephoto lens and still yern for a longer one.