The American Black Bear: Evidence of God's Creation and Design

Discover the incredible features of the American black bear and how this remarkable creature reveals God's intelligent design and care. This post explores the black bear as a testament to God's creativity, from its strength to hibernation to its role in the ecosystem. Nature lovers, faith-based readers, and anyone seeking to see God's handiwork in wildlife will enjoy this post.

AMAZING ANIMALS

4/26/20257 min read

The American Black Bear:

A Living Testament to God's Masterful Design

For the past few years, we have had evidence of having black bear on our property. I have to admit. I am fascinated by these creatures. Their strength, agility, and overall beauty amaze me. I love watching them...from a distance of course! But, each spring, we seem to have a bear get a little too comfortable with our backyard! Last year, we had a mama bear and three cubs on our back patio. This year, I spotted a bear on our deck! It got me thinking even more about these incredible creatures.

When we think of the word "majesty," we might think of soaring mountains or waves crashing in the ocean. But, I think the American black bear (Ursus americanus) is a majestic creature that quietly reflects the creativity, wisdom, and provision of our Creator. Let's take a closer look at this animal and how it displays God's handiwork. Explore these areas with me:

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The Marvel of the Black Bear's Physical Features

Strength and Agility

The American black bear is a powerhouse of strength. Their bodies are stocky, and they can range in size from around 100 pounds to over 600 pounds! Males are typically larger than females. Despite this stocky body and large size, black bears can run at speeds of up to 30 miles per hour (National Park Service, 2021)! They can also swim across rivers and climb trees with surprising speed. Their back paws are 6-7 inches long and 3.5-5.5 inches across. Their front paws are slightly shorter at 4-6.3 inches long and 3.8-5.5 inches wide.

One left a paw swipe on our front door recently, so I got a close-up view of the size!

Adaptable Fur Coat

God designed the black bear with a thick, water-repellent fur coat that protects it against bitter cold, rain, and snow. Interestingly, not all black bears are black. In fact, they come in more colors than any other North American mammal! Some are brown, cinnamon, blond, blue-gray, or white (North American Bear Center, 2024). This variety is a reminder of the beauty and diversity within God's creation.

Specialized Senses

Black bears have an extraordinary sense of smell -- estimated to be at least seven times better than that of a bloodhound (North American Bear Center, 2024). They also have keen eyesight. They see in color and can see sharp details up close. Black bears also have incredible hearing. This feature helps them to survive in brushy forests, where they can often hear disturbances before they can see them. The precision of these senses is incredible and helps these creatures to survive in the wild. The senses were given by a Creator who knew they would be needed.

The Black Bear's Designed Behavior

The Wonder of Hibernation

One of the most fascinating aspects of black bear behavior is hibernation. During the winter, their bodies slow dramatically. The bear's heart rate drops from around 50 beats per minute down to around 8 beats per minute (American Bear Association, 2023). They can survive without eating or drinking for up to 6 or 7 months, surviving off of fat reserves. Their bodies are in a carefully balanced state of metabolism during this time! In fact, they are even able to maintain a good amount of muscle strength during this time. One study said that black bears lose about half as much strength as humans confined to bed rest would lose (North American Bear Center, 2024). What an incredible process! This amazing phenomenon shows the foresight and sustaining power of God. He created these creatures to survive and sustain, even during dormant times.

Omnivorous Diet and Foraging Skills

Black bears are omnivores, meaning they eat both meat and plants. They often feed on berries, nuts, insects, fish, dead animals, and even small mammals. They are often attracted to bird feeders in yards. This has been our experience. We had a bird feeder off of our back patio that drew them in last year. This year, we opted not to put a bird feeder in that area, choosing instead to put a bird feeder off of our deck. We thought a bear would be less likely to enter this area, as it is a distance off of the ground, right next to our house (and we have three dogs), and it is somewhat enclosed with only one entrance and exit. We were wrong. Another bird feeder bit the dust. We need to find a balance between feeding the birds and not attracting bears!

Evidence of God's Care in the Bear's Ecosystem Role

Seed Dispersers

Black bears are actually crucial for helping forests to thrive. As they eat fruits and plants, seeds pass through their digestive system and end up being dispersed across large areas. In fact, finding large scat with seeds in it is one indicator that it is bear scat. This dispersal of seeds promotes new plant growth in various areas (National Wildlife Federation, 2022). The black bear contributes to the renewal of the land, fulfilling a role assigned by God in the balance of His creation.

Balance in Nature

By consuming both plants and animals, black bears help regulate ecosystems. They help to ensure that no one species overwhelms the environment (National Park Service, 2021). For example, they eat insects, so this helps to control the insect populations. They may claw at logs or trees to find insects and grubs. This helps to speed up decaying processes. They fit into a slot that was perfectly designed for them in the ecosystem. This is another signpost pointing back to our Creator.

Lessons We Can Learn from the Black Bear

Trust God's Timing

Just as bears trust the changing seasons to provide what they need, we can trust God's perfect timing in our lives. A bear's food sources change throughout the seasons, their behavior changes, their need for rest and hibernation changes. But, God has a perfectly designed plan, a perfectly designed way for the bear to not only survive, but to thrive. This is true for us too. God has a plan for your life. A way for you to not just survive, but to thrive. The key? Seek Him, follow His will for your life, and trust that He's got it all under control.

Embrace Strength and Rest

The black bear reminds us that life is not only about striving, but also about seasons of rest and renewal. Hibernation is not a weakness -- it is a part of God's wisdom. It is something that He designed for the black bear because it was needed. God calls us into rhythms of both work and rest as well. Our rest pattern may not look like the black bear's. Although, really...doesn't it sound amazing to eat all that you want for a season and then have an extended time of rest? I'm picturing snacks, comfy blankets, and my couch...😂 Seriously, though, God does call us to rest. He calls us to rest in Jesus. We are to learn from Jesus. To take His yoke as our burden. He promises that the burden is light and that we will find rest for our souls.

To Wrap Things Up...

The American black bear is more than just a wild animal, more than just a symbol of the wilderness. It is a living testament to God's wisdom, His creativity, His provision, and His sustaining love. Every feature, every behavior, and every role the bear plays in its environment speaks of a Designer. One who crafted all things with care and purpose.

May we pause and praise God today for all of His amazing works. For black bears, for forests, and for all of the awe-inspiring creation seen in His beautiful world.

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References

American Bear Association. (2023). Bear Hibernation Facts.

National Park Service. (2021). Black Bear Biology and Behavior.

North American Bear Center. (2024). Understanding Black Bears.

Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute. (2023). American Black Bear Profile.

National Wildlife Federation. (2022). Black Bears and Forest Ecosystems.

Wildlife Science Center. (2021). American Black Bear.