Because bears are intelligent animals, much of their behavior is based on learning rather than instinct, so responses may vary. Vocalization Situation Mother’s Response Pulsating hum Nursing (or, rarely, when…
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When a mother black bear leads her cubs away from a den, her usual destination is a big tree where the cubs can take refuge from danger. Around Ely, that…
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Bears around Ely typically leave their dens in early to mid April. In years with sparse snow, some bears leave as early as March 24. Mothers with unusually small cubs…
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Water in dens is a problem, especially for mothers with cubs. Newborn cubs that are too young to walk in January, February, or early March can be killed from exposure…
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By the end of February, cubs are 4 to 6 weeks old and usually weigh 2-3 pounds. They have dense fur almost an inch long. They can thermo-regulate to some…
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Newborn cubs are smaller, relative to their mother’s size, than the young of any other placental mammal. They are totally dependent on their mothers. Newborn cubs have little fur, weigh…
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Getting fat is the most important preparation for birth.After mating in late May or June, pregnant females focus on eating for the rest of the summer. Females that don’t become…
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Lumpy weighed well over 600 pounds in fall and was the biggest bear in the area. One-eyed Jack was rightfully hesitant about confronting him once he saw who it was…
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Black bears in northeastern Minnesota mate between mid May and late June. Males have mating ranges 10-15 miles in diameter. Each mating range contains 7-15 female territories. Some territories contain…
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Malnourished black bear females do not successfully reproduce. Their offspring are absorbed in utero, are stillborn, or starve from lack of milk. In northeastern Minnesota, black bear females reproduce best…
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