Just like humans, the weight of bears varies considerably among individuals and between males and females. However, humans often say they weigh less than they do, while the weight of a bear is always on the optimistic side, often exceedingly so. Exposure to a scale often reduces the weight of a bear by half.

A study of bears in Arizona found the average mature male weighed 250 poinds and femails 200. The largest black bear weighed in a study in Yellowstone Park weighed 479 pounds. Of course, everyone has heard of the 600~ abd 700~ pound monsters. These bears are an exception and occur about as often as people who weigh that much.

This graph operates on the relationship between chest circumference and whole body weight. The chest circumference measurement should be taken around the chest immediately behind the shoulders of bears at least one year old. The tape should be snug, not tight. In most instances the estimate will be within 20 pounds of actual weight. This measurement can even be taken on field-dressed bears so long as the brisket has not been split or the hide removed. -J.H.