American black bears are among the most common bear species in North American zoos, often housed as ambassadors for bear conservation. Their welfare depends on large, naturalistic enclosures that accommodate their omnivorous foraging ecology.
Black bear welfare in captivity hinges primarily on providing adequate foraging complexity and space. Bears denied meaningful foraging opportunities — where food appears predictably in small amounts in the same locations — show high rates of stereotypic behaviour and psychological distress. Effective enrichment must engage the full range of natural foraging behaviours: digging, climbing, water exploration, and manipulating complex food items. Hibernation management is an important welfare consideration — bears should have access to a suitable den area and be allowed to reduce activity during winter months. Social management requires careful assessment; while some bears can be co-housed, forced proximity causes chronic stress in species-typical solitary individuals. Training for health checks reduces veterinary stress significantly.