The black bear's uncanny sense of smell is used for finding the fruits, nuts, plants, and insect larve that they like to eat. Although their teeth, claws, strength, and size make them look like predators, they seldom eat anything larger than insects, preferring plants to meat. The black bear is the only bear in Maryland. Cubs are born blind and hairless in late January or early February, while the mother sleeps in her winter den. Females seldom have cubs until they are three of four years old, and most give birth every two years.
Black bears prefer large, forested areas.
Maryland's best bear habitat is found in Garrett county where expansive hardwood forests are interspersed with a dense rhododendron understory, and valuable wetlands. Bears are also found in limited numbers throughout the forests of Allegany, Washington, and Ferderick Counties.