VIDEO: Watch New York Bear Cubs Learn an Important Skill

It's not everyday that New Yorkers are treated to a front-row-seat to one of the most adorable things to ever happen in the local woods, but that's exactly what happened when a trail cam captured an adorable moment that goes far beyond simple play.

Black bears are one of the largest mammals to call New York State home (moose are one of the few who are bigger), but before they grow to be hundreds of pounds, they begin their lives no larger than a puppy.

Adorable New York Black Bear Cubs Caught on Trail Camera

The video, which was recently shared by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, is just one of many instances of bears being caught on camera in the region. Instead of being naughty (like stealing groceries of a front porch), these bears were actually learning.

"Ever wonder why black bear cubs play?", the NYSDEC asked on Facebook (below). "As this trail camera footage demonstrates, black bear cubs play often, which provides many benefits to a young bear’s development".

Educational Benefits of Black Bear Play

The NYS DEC explained that what might look like simple roughhousing is actually an activity that helps these black bear cubs develop hunting and defense skills, and improve their memory and physical health in addition to other benefits.

Read More: Awesome Photo of Acrobat Black Bear Stealing Food in New York 

When Do Black Bear Cubs Leave Their Mothers?

Black bear cubs can stay with their mother for up to 17 months before they are ready to strike out on their own and put the skills they learned as cubs into use as free-roaming "yearlings".

Get our free mobile app

In the Hudson Valley, local students were treated to a special sight when a black bear decided to make themselves at home on the SUNY New Paltz campus. Take a look at the scholarly bear below.