We spent about a week on our trip to the north island and there wasn't one day that we didn't see
bears, always more than one. This gallery is made up of various bears we saw during our stay.
Bear facts: The black bear is approximately 150 cm (5 ft) long with males weighing
about 137 kg (300 lbs) and females weighing about 70 kg (155 lbs). Exceptionally large males
weighing over 290 kg (640 lbs) have been recorded. The normal color is black with a brownish
muzzle and a white patch below the throat. Black is the most common color but other color phases
also occur like brown, cinnamon, blue black, and deep brown. Black bears are surprisingly
fast when they need to be and have been clocked at speeds of 55 km/h. They are also good
swimmers. Tree climbing is second nature to the black bear who will bound up tree trunks with
surprising speed and ease.

~ Bears are powerful and strong animals; they should always be treated with caution and respect. ~