Bears can and do climb trees. Climbing a tree is one of the first things a mother bear teaches her cubs when they leave the nest. Bears climb trees for food as they eat the fruit and nuts that grow on them. The also climb trees to escape dangerous situations as well as take a nap. Yep, bears sleep in trees too.

Many bears can climb trees, so don't try to hide in the branches to get away from one. All black bears, all grizzly cubs, and even some adult grizzlies are good climbers.