Black Bears - Climbing, Running and Swimming
Black bears may appear sluggish as they meander along, but they can move with great speed when necessary. Over short distances they have been known to run as fast as 34 miles (55 kilometers) per hour.
Black bears are also good swimmers and can easily cross small lakes and rivers. Black bears are well equipped to climb trees and young cubs will quickly scale a tree if frightened. They climb by grabbing hold of the tree with their front legs and pushing themselves upwards in a hopping motion with their hind legs.
Video: Black bear cubs learning to climb in Yellowstone National Park
