BLACK BEAR

Black Bears are fairly common residents on the Navajo Nation. They can be found wandering the forested areas especially within the Chuska Mountain, Defiance Plateau, and the canyons that connect to these mountain features. They are omnivores and very opportunistic in their feeding habits. This means that they will feed on just about any plants and other animals that they encounter.

Black Bear was reported given to one of the Navajo Clans as their guide and protector as clans migrated back to Navajo Land. One should not feed, touch, or laugh at bears, and one should not call out its name in Navajo language, which is "Shush."