Does a bear usually live in den?

Bears usually hibernate in dens during the winter months, but they do not permanently reside in them. Dens provide a safe and sheltered place for bears to rest and conserve energy while they sleep through the cold season. Different bear species have different denning habits and may use various types of dens, such as caves, hollow logs, underground burrows, or dens they construct themselves from vegetation and debris. Bears typically seek out dens in secluded areas away from human activity.

However, it's important to note that bears do not continuously live in dens throughout the year. When spring arrives and the weather warms up, bears emerge from their dens and become active again. They spend the rest of the year foraging for food, mating, raising their young, and preparing for the next winter. Bears may still seek shelter in temporary dens or bedding sites during this time, but they are not continuously denning.