Copyright 1999 Black bears are excellent tree climbers. Habitat and Diet Black bear habitat is forestland, usually with both deciduous and coniferous trees, along with streams, swamps and rock ledges. They prefer areas with thick understory vegetation and abundant food resources. Mature forests provide soft and hard mast in late summer and fall. Wetlands are particularly important in the spring when the emerging plants are one of the few available foods.
Bears are omnivorous and eat grasses, forbs, fruit, nuts and berries.
Occasionally, they will prey on small mammals, rarely deer and livestock. Life History Breeding occurs during the summer months, usually in late June or early July. During this time, males travel extensively in search of females. The age when sows first produce cubs is related to the available food supply, but most begin to reproduce at age three or four and continue to have young every two years. Bears do not form long-lasting bonds, so the males typically mate more than once during the breeding season.