Southern Masked Bears are mysterious creatures most active during the cold, wet winter months in the Appalachian Mountains. Pioneers used to believe that if one saw a Masked Bear, it meant they were going to be killed by natural causes within the year; others kept them as pets, and even taught them to speak simple words or phrases.

Southern Masked Bears are smaller than their northern cousins, but both are most well known for the odd characteristics of their head: they have short, round faces that are hairless; deep-set, black eyes; a long, pointed, thin muzzle; and a homogenous, pale, flesh tone. Some say it looks as if the bears are wearing a human-like mask. Oddly, the bears’ back feet are also hairless, resembling those of a primate.

The southern species of Masked Bear is completely covered in white fur, except for a black, crescent shaped marking on the chest (male) or abdomen (female). The standing height of an adult is 3 -4 ft and they generally weigh around 150 lbs (with…