They are most visible, Stokes says, in May and June, when yearlings, born 15 months earlier, are pushed away by their mothers to fend for themselves. They are often traveling, looking for new territories, when they encounter humans. They spend the fall gaining weight to prepare for winter, when food can be scarce. One bear was found to have gained 125 pounds between August and October, from 365 to 490 pounds. In warm places like South Carolina, males do not hibernate but sleep fitfully through the winter.
Females den to give birth.
Bears are related closely to dogs and raccoons, and they share traits like inquisitiveness and playfulness. They can run swiftly, they're good climbers, and they swim strongly. They have poor vision, moderate hearing, and a terrific sense of smell. They are omnivorous and have five non-retractable claws dexterous enough to screw open jar lids. They eat berries, insects, honey, nuts, roots, tubers, young shoots, eggs, fish, small mammals, carrion and garbage.