Alabama's Magnificent State Mammal: The Black Bear
In the deep forests and rolling hills of Alabama, a powerful and mysterious animal roams. While many people think of bears as living only in the cold mountains of the north, the American black bear has a long history in the Heart of Dixie. In 2006, the Alabama legislature officially named the black bear the state's mammal. This title recognizes the animal’s importance to the state's natural heritage and its role in the local ecosystem.
Black bears are the smallest of the three bear species found in North America, but they are still impressive creatures. In Alabama, an adult male can weigh between 150 and 350 pounds, while females are usually smaller. Despite their name, not every black bear is jet black. Some have fur that looks brownish or even cinnamon-colored. They have short, non-retractable claws that make them excellent at climbing trees. This is a skill they use to find food, protect their cubs, and escape from any perceived danger.
- Omnivore:
- An animal that naturally eats both plants and meat.
- Torpor:
- A state of decreased activity and lower body temperature that animals use to survive the winter.
- Sow:
- An adult female bear.
- Heritage:
- The traditions, achievements, or natural features that are part of the history of a group or place.
- Conservation:
- The careful protection and management of natural resources and wildlife.
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Preview questions from this passageShowHide
- 1Why did the Alabama legislature name the black bear the state's mammal in 2006?
- 2What specific physical feature helps black bears climb trees to find food and safety?
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About this explanatory article passage for Upper Elementary
“Alabama's Magnificent State Mammal: The Black Bear” is a explanatory article reading passage about Black Bears, written for Upper Elementary. It takes about 4 minutes to read (622 words) and comes with an interactive quiz and a printable worksheet with comprehension questions and an answer key.