Black bear females and their cubs are a small social network, just two. When undisturbed, they stay together for several years. (Grizzly bears stay for three). This in not for fun but there is some of that. There is survival value in the inherited behavior ... for bear cubs and thus for bear populations. The cubs learn by watching and listening, and on occasion from a physical rebuff. Learning is essential. The cub does not inherit major chunks of knowledge as do birds and insects. Being taught is essential.
Allen R. Stickley's research cub, Virginia Tech, 1956
I learned years ago of a tagged adult live bear that was found in the winter within an opening within the forest. It was covered with snow and sleeping (perhaps hibernating) in the open a balled-up position. I surmise that it had not been taught what to do in the winter by its mother. I surmise also that it had been separated from the female and other cub(s) and have never had a demonstration of a desirable survival strategy - when to eat abundantly, where to go, and what logs, debris, or rocky caves to use for survival...to hide from people and other creatures.
I think of the sleeping bear often when I see children doing unexpected things. Perhaps they just haven't had enough time with their "mother bear," enough pointed observation, enough small mistakes, enough tumbles, and huddled warmth in the rain and snow.
