In their natural habitat, black bears require forests for protection and food, but are highly adaptable to human presence. A black bear is able to live in close proximity to housing developments and suburban areas as long as they have cover to escape threats. Bears in the wild, having sufficient forests to provide shelter and food, are far less potentially dangerous than are those whose environment is highly altered by human presence. Bears who live in areas with large forests are less aggressive than those who live in areas where forests are sparse or nonexistent.