The term 'BEAR ABODE' is composed of two words, DEN and CAVE. A DEN is a small, sheltered room or hollow used by an animal for protection or habitation. Bears often use dens as a place to hibernate during the winter months. A CAVE is a large, naturally occurring underground space or chamber, typically of considerable length, depth, and height. Bears may also use caves as a place to sleep or hibernate, as well as a place to store food.