Animal Facts
Brown Bear continued
Habits and Biology
Like most bears, Brown Bears live alone, except when females have cubs.
During the mating season males and females form pairs and mate for 1 – 3 weeks.
Females may mate with more than one male, and cubs in a litter may not all have the same father. This can make it difficult for scientists to research an animal’s background.
Bears range or move around, in their own territories but they don’t usually attack other bears if they wander too close. If there is plenty of food in one place, like a stream with salmon or a garbage dump, several bears will get together peacefully. But the big dominant males usually get the best fishing spots or first choice at the food.
In summer and autumn the bears store layers of fat in their bodies, and in winter they become dormant or sleepy and don’t eat or drink anything.
They make a den in a cave or hollow log and doze lightly during the cold weather. Scientists have found that many cave dens have been used by bears for centuries.
The bears wake up easily if they are disturbed and females with cubs will feed their young and take care of them in between dozing.
Predators
Even though Brown Bears are big animals and can run fast and defend themselves with their claws, teeth and strength, they can be hunted by other bears, tigers and humans.
Cubs can be killed by mountain lions, wolves, tigers and other bears.
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