In contrast to some of their relations in the raccoon family, bears are primarily loners. They are usually only seen together during the mating season and when a female has offspring.

Cubs are born during the hibernation period. At first, they are tiny and completely helpless. It is not until the spring that, together with their mother, they leave the safety of their den. Then, mainly through imitation, they learn from her for between one and three years. During their expeditions, they follow the she-bear’s every move, learning their territory, the best places for finding food and sleeping as well as how to behave towards other bears and animals.

Bears chiefly communicate with each other via their sense of smell. They mark their territory with droppings and urine and leave trails of scent on bushes and trees by rubbing against them or sharpening their claws on them. Bears also use vocal communication. They warn, woo or threaten each other by growling, roaring, whining and even making a trilling sound. If they feel uneasy or harried they often make a coughing noise and snap their jaws together.

The sociable raccoon family

Female coati and their young live in groups of up to 40 animals. Life as part of a group has certain advantages for these smaller animals. For instance, it allows them to better defend themselves against enemies and competitors for food.

In the case of raccoons, adult members of a family occasionally share the same den. Related females meet each other regularly in certain resting areas and sometimes go in search of food together.