As a subspecies, they therefore most likely exist alongside the mostly black-colored eastern American black bears present in those regions, and breed with them.

Although there are also small populations located in the north east foothills and mountains of California, above 3,000 ft. elevation.

Their diet includes fruit, vegetation, nuts, honey, and occasionally insects and meat, varying from other subspecies because of regional habitat differences.

The bears hibernate during the winter, usually from late October or November to March or April, depending upon the weather conditions.

[5] Established populations are found in Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, Utah, Idaho, Nevada, Montana, Washington, Manitoba, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Wyoming, California, Alberta, Ontario, and British Columbia.