BLACK BEARS

Updated 10/19/26

Meet Prince William and Zayk!

These two black bears have quite a history together - and if you watch them for a while, you might notice that they have very different personalities. 

Prince William is 6 years old and was found as an orphan in Prince William Sound. He's playful and full of energy, and he often tries to get Zayk to join him for a little playtime. 

Zayk is 28 years old and was also found as an orphan, in Girdwood, Alaska. At his age, you may notice some signs that he's getting older. His body and fur are beginning to show some of the changes that come with age, but he still shares his space with his younger, much more energetic roommate! 

Zayk quickly took to Prince William. He even let him snuggle in close during his first hibernation. 

In the wild, black bears typically live around 15 to 20 years, while bears living under human care can reach around 30 years old. 

Black bears are the most common bear species in North America. Females typically weigh around 150 pounds, while males can reach about 200 pounds. 

When winter approaches, black bears prepare for hibernation by eating - and eating - and eating! They can gain a significant amount of weight before settling into their dens, giving them energy to get through the winter months. 

Black bears are not picky eaters. In the wild, they're opportunistic feeders, which means they'll take advantage of whatever food is available. Their diet can include berries, nuts, plants, insects, fish, and other animals. 

And don't let their smaller size fool you - black bears are excellent climbers! Cubs can begin climbing trees when they're just a few months old, giving them a quick way to escape danger. Their climbing skills also come in handy when they're looking for food. 

As you watch Prince William and Zayk, keep an eye out for their different personalities. You may see Prince William looking for someone to play with - or Zayk reminding his young roommate that sometimes a quiet afternoon is exactly what an older bear needs! 

By following the Alaska Zoo online, you can stay updated on when these bears go into hibernation, and when they wake up in the spring.