Creature Reference Back to Creatures

Black Bear

Medium · Beast · CR 1/2 · Unaligned

Source. 5e 2024 Rules

11 (natural armor)

19 (3d8 + 6)

1/2

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR

DEX

CON

INT

-4

WIS

CHA

-2

Overview

Category Animals

Size Medium

Type Beast

Alignment Unaligned

XP 100

Initiative Bonus +1

Movement

Walk 30 ft (9.1 m)

Swim 30 ft (9.1 m)

Climb 30 ft (9.1 m)

Crawl 15 ft (4.6 m)

Senses

Darkvision 60 ft (18.3 m)

Passive Perception 15

Saving Throws

Strength +2 Dexterity +1 Constitution +2 Intelligence -4 Wisdom +1 Charisma -2

Skills

Perception +5

Actions

Multiattack

Cost 1

The bear makes two Rend attacks.

Rend

Cost 1

+4 to hit, reach 5 ft (1.5 m). Hit: 1d6+2 slashing damage.

Melee Attack Roll: +4, reach 5 ft. 5 (1d6 + 2) Slashing damage.

About Black Bear

Black Bear is a medium beast with a Challenge Rating of 1/2. It has a unaligned alignment.

In combat, this creature maintains an Armor Class of 11 and possesses 19 hit points (derived from 3d8 + 6).

GM Tips: Using Black Bear

2 tips available

When using Black Bear in your D&D 5e campaign, consider these tactical approaches:

Climbing Advantage: This creature can climb at 30 ft. It can use walls and ceilings for tactical positioning. Consider using 'Spider Climb' negation or fighting in open areas without vertical surfaces.
Aquatic Combat: This creature can swim at 30 ft. It has advantage in water environments. Consider fighting on land or using water-based spells against it.

Player Guide: Facing Black Bear

2 strategies available

When your party encounters this creature, keep these strategies in mind:

Climbing Defense: This creature can climb at 30 ft! It can use walls and ceilings for surprise attacks. Fight in open areas without vertical surfaces. 'Spider Climb' negation spells can help.
Aquatic Combat Defense: This creature can swim at 30 ft! It has advantage in water. Fight on land if possible. Use 'Control Water' or drain water sources to limit its mobility.

Encounter Building Calculator

Standard Party Encounter (4-5 characters):

This creature is a medium encounter for a party of 4 characters of level 1.

Solo Encounter:

A single character of level 2 (up to level 20) can face this creature in a medium to hard encounter.

Experience Point Thresholds:

Medium: 75 XP
Hard: 112 XP
Deadly: 150 XP

Based on D&D 5e Dungeon Master's Guide encounter building guidelines. CR roughly equals party level for medium encounters.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the challenge rating of Black Bear?: Black Bear has a Challenge Rating of 1/2, making it appropriate for parties of level 0.5.
What type of creature is Black Bear?: Black Bear is a Medium Beast, which affects how certain spells and abilities interact with it.