I have a 70-210mm lens, what is the furthest distance I can focus on and not be blurry?

Alright, so I have a 70-210mm lens for my camera (Maxxum 7000i film)

I was about 120 yards (110m) from a black bear and some cubs but I could not get a good focus on the bear. Is this too far away for such a lens to expect a good clear focus?

I was about the same distance from a Bald Eagle in a nest and I couldn't focus on it either with the lens.

Do I need to go to a higher lense? Like a 500mm or something?

I was using autofocus and the light would always be red (not focused) and I would be no further than say 200m (220 yards) from the subject. It didn't seem to want to focus on it.

I was thinking its just too far away (small subject) for that lense.

Like en camera said it should focus too infinity. Is there a focus limiter on the lens? It's a device on the lens too keep it from traveling from minimal focus distance to the maximum focus distance.

You should be able to focus at infinity with your lens. If it doesn't focus at long distances there may be something wrong with the lens, or it isn't seated properly on the camera. Try removing the lens, reattaching it, and try again. Also if you are using auto focus, try manual focus and see if that solves the problem.