“Black bears” are both black and brown. But in the US we typically reserve the term “Brown bear” for Grizzly. There are no Grizzlies in the lower 48 states (including North Carolina), but they are abundant in Alaska. So I assume the drawing was indeed a black bear, but one of the brown-colored ones.
I’m guessing you find Bessie more attractive than Mammy Yokum. (Yokum couldn’t afford plastic surgery.) Your preferences reflect a city-folk upbringing. Why do you think Li’l Abner shows disinterest in Daisy Mae? It’s because she’s not as goodlooking as his mom.
That’s not Li’l Abner on the right strip; it’s one of the Scragg brothers. Note the short sleeve is ripped, not folded. On the other hand, Li’l Abner’s hair part does change from panel to panel.
“Black bears” are both black and brown. But in the US we typically reserve the term “Brown bear” for Grizzly. There are no Grizzlies in the lower 48 states (including North Carolina), but they are abundant in Alaska. So I assume the drawing was indeed a black bear, but one of the brown-colored ones.