The West Virginia Black Bear is approximately five to six feet in length. It has a long-snouted head and stumpy tail, short, thick, legs and large five-toed feet. Each toe is armed with a heavy claw. Black bears weigh anywhere from 200 to 300 pounds. The powerful jaw is lined with wide, flat incisors for grinding food as well as four long eye teeth. Most have loose skin and long shaggy fur. The Black Bear has an excellent sense of smell but poor vision and hearing. ...Amanda & Luke: 8th grade, MJHS

Drawing by Chris Nutter, Milton Middle School