THE AMERICAN BLACK BEAR 205 



posed to the winds, or some hunter might pass 

 that way with a keen-nosed, inquisitive ca- 

 nine that would cause him to roll out in a hurry. 

 It is safe to say all black bears den up both 

 North and South, some time between November 

 1st and January 1st, depending on the altitude, 

 weather and latitude. They emerge in the spring, 

 usually from the first part of April to the middle 

 of May, according to conditions, the males often 

 appearing some two weeks before the females. 

 It is at this time in the spring, just after they 

 have left their winter quarters, that a bear's pelt 

 is in its prime. During hibernation, as no food 

 is laid up, they, of course, do not eat, nor do they 

 drink, unless they make use of the snow that has 

 fallen about them. Contrary to the general sup- 

 position, they are not in a deep coma or hazy 

 condition, for they are easily aroused. It is true 

 that they sleep, but are quick to detect danger 

 and fully equal to the occasion of making off 

 and looking up other quarters if disturbed. 



The cunning little cubs (for what deserves the 

 name more than a little woolly, black cub?) are 

 brought forth during hibernation, usually be- 

 tween February 1st and March 1st, and it is sev- 

 eral weeks before they are able to leave the den 

 with their mother. From one to four cubs may 



