Black bears are creatures of opportunity when it comes to food. As summer progresses, feeding shifts to salmon, if available. In areas where salmon are not present, bears rely primarily on vegetation, including berries. Ants, grubs and other insects round out their diets. Male bears occasionally prey on their own young.
Black bears spend their winter months in hibernation.
Their dens may be located in rock cavities, hollow trees, self-made excavations or even on the ground. In the northern part of their range, bears may be dormant for seven or eight months. Management Over the years, Alaska Department of Fish and Game biologists have conducted research on the movements, food habits, denning requirements, reproductive characteristics, and habitat use of black bears. Regulations prohibit the taking of cubs or sows with cubs. Use of bait for hunting is restricted, and no part of any bear may be bought or cold.