The full moon in January is sometimes called the bear moon . Black bear cubs are generally born in January. The mother bear licks them clean, keeps them warm and moves into positions to make it easier for them to nurse. Newborn cubs continue to grow as mother bears care for them. The snow melts and bears leave their dens.
Adult males leave their dens first while mothers with cubs are the last to leave their dens.
Food is very scarce. Adult males begin to roam. All bears lose weight at this time of year. Green plants begin to grow and trees begin to sprout leaves. They begin to eat sprouting grass, emerging herbs and young aspen leaves.