Black bears also make considerable use of high bushcranberry and lowbush cranberry in spring, feeding on berries that over-winter on the stem. Superior growth and reproduction of black bears in some parts of Alaska's boreal forests have also been attributed to abundance of moose calves. Moose calves represent an important source of protein and energy in spring and early summer when other foods are of limited availability or of low quality. Because moose calf abundance is directly related to availability of early seral vegetation, it can be concluded that enhancement of moose habitat will benefit black bears, as long as other essential elements of black bear habitat are retained within the home range of the bears. Escape cover, including availability of large trees having sturdy, creviced bark is important to cubs for escaping predators.
Black bears are reluctant to move away from forest cover, especially if with cubs.
Existing habitat values are reduced when human access and activity are increased. Effects of food supply and kinship on social behavior, movements, and population growth of black bears in northeastern Minnesota. Interrelationship of black bears to moose and forest succession in the northern coniferous forest. Alaska Department of Fish and Game. All Rights Reserved.