Males are the first to step out, usually near the end of April. Many black bears move to grassy south-facing hillsides as soon as they emerge. These slopes are free of snow at this time of year and the bears find overwintered cranberries and bearberries on which to feed. At river level, fresh growths of horsetails and willow catkins are important spring foods. However, unlike grizzlies, black bears seldom eat plant roots.
Most mammals are too fast for bears to catch, but moose calves are an exception.
A two year study in the southwest Yukon revealed that black bears take from two to ten percent of the newborn calves. These kills were made in the subalpine zone where many cow moose give birth, but are also likely to occur in valley floor settings. Caribou calves are likely killed as well. Yukon black bears mate between mid June and the end of July. During mating season male bears travel widely, searching for females and following their scent trails.