They weigh less than 500 g and are about 15 cm long. By the time the mother is ready to leave her winter den they are strong enough to follow. The cubs remain with her until the fall of their second year when they venture forth on their own. By that time, the female is preparing for her next family. Normally, old females mate every other year, and young females do not mate until 2 years or more of age.
Bears have few enemies other than man.
They make interesting pets when small, but they become dangerous as they grow older. Their chief economic value is as a game animal. Their pelts have little value on the fur market, but they are prized as trophies. There have been many recent sightings of black bear in the Chisos Mountains of Big Bend National Park. A resident, breeding population of perhaps 20 individuals is thought to occur in the Chisos Mountains.