The key habitat requirements of black bears are food, water, cover, and denning sites which are spatially arranged across sufficiently large, relatively remote blocks of lands. Other documented habitat types used by the bear include brackish and freshwater marshes, salt domes, wooded spoil levees along canals and bayous, and agricultural fields. Black bears are adaptable and opportunistic. They can survive in proximity to humans if afforded areas of retreat that ensure little chance of close contact or visual encounters with humans. Although classified as carnivores, black bears are opportunistic omnivores since their diet is largely determined by food availability.
Black bears spend considerable amounts of time foraging for food.
The variety of plant food eaten by bears depends upon the seasons. Invertebrates are probably the most commonly taken form of animal matter and carrion is also consumed. The most readily available natural diet of black bears tends to be high in carbohydrates and low in fat or protein. The home range must provide the essentials of life including food, water, cover, denning sites, and contact with potential mates. The movement of bears and establishment of their home ranges are determined by the presence of these essential components.