Black bears can run at speeds of up to about 30 miles per hour, with some sources noting they can reach up to 35 miles per hour over short distances. Their speed varies depending on factors such as age, fitness, and whether they are lean or carrying winter fat reserves. For example, lean black bears in early spring can hit the higher end of this speed range, while bulkier bears might be slower due to overheating risks. This speed makes black bears significantly faster than humans, including the fastest sprinter, Usain Bolt, who reached about 27.8 mph
