They are in my part of the country year around .I see them pretty regular . No big thing except when they have cubs momma is a real bi@#$ at that time . She will tear your head off . Voice of experience. If your hunting and carrying came in a pouch they will track you . Just hang the game on a limb move out calmly toward home. Most time they don't follow. But if they do follow you just may be up sh*t creek because its a very old one looking for something slow to catch . Any time your hunting make sure you can run faster than the guy your hunting with.