They dig, climb and fish for food. In winter, they den in large trees, snags, stumps, logs, talus slopes or in the earth. They need mature, dense vegetation and slopes for denning. Bears become dormant in the winter with brief periods of activity, such as birthing their children during the denning period. Mating occurs in June and July with ovulation induced by copulation.
Implantation is delayed for about four months.
The gestation period is 220 days. Most young are born from late January to early February. 1-6 young per litter are born. The young nurse for 6 months and stay with females for 1.5 years. They can survive on their own for 7 months.