Their remarkable ability to return home makes translocation an unproductive way to deal with nuisance bears. A model for extended space travel, hibernating Minnesota black bears can lie in one place for six months without suffering bone or muscle loss, though they lose 15 to 25 percent of their body weight. They go into hibernation between September and November and generally come out of the den in April. Sows give birth in late January or early February. Hibernating bears can be easily aroused because their body temperature remains high, but they can go all winter without eating, drinking, urinating, or defecating.
Sows alone raise cubs.
Eighteen percent of cubs die their first year. Lifespan averages three to five years. Without these, bears can live 30 years. All rights reserved.