Despite differences in size and color, black bears and grizzly bears are often difficult to tell apart. Grizzlies have a pronounced shoulder hump, which the black bear lacks. Black bears have a flatter, "Roman-nose" profile, larger ears, no visible shoulder hump and smaller claws.
Lake Josephine
Despite their name, black bears have wide color variations. Individual coat colors can range from white, blond, cinnamon, light brown to dark chocolate brown, or jet black.