A black bear typically lives about 18 to 25 years in the wild, with some individuals reaching 30 years or more under ideal conditions. The oldest recorded wild black bear lived 39 years, and in captivity, they can live into their 30s or even longer, sometimes up to 44 years.

Lifespan Details

• Average wild lifespan: around 18-25 years, though many live shorter lives due to hunting, human conflict, or accidents.

• Record wild lifespan: up to 39 years.

• Captive lifespan: often exceeds 30 years, with records up to 44 years.

• Causes of death frequently include human activities such as hunting and vehicle collisions.

Biological and Environmental Factors

• Survival rates can vary by region and development pressure.
• Natural predation on adult black bears is rare; mostly human threats impact longevity.

• Food availability, habitat quality, and protection efforts influence lifespan.

This range provides a general idea that black bears can live up to two decades or more in the wild under favorable conditions.