Young nurse for at least 6 mo and stay with female for 1.5 yr, but can survive on own at 7 mo. Thus, has one of lowest reproductive rates of any wild land mammal in North America. Individuals can live 25 yr, or more. Black bears are the largest terrestrial species in the Order Carnivora in California. Adults have few predators other than humans.
Trichinosis is common in bears.
In years of poor mast production, compete with other mast-eaters such as wild pigs, mule deer, and squirrels. Can be pests, particularly at campsites, when they feed on human refuse and occasionally take stored foods. Calif. State Poly. Bray, O. E., and V. G. Barnes, Jr. 1967. A literature review on black bear populations and activities.