Depends on climate. Here in coastal Oregon , some of the best forage begins growing right after the winter solstice.
I’ve seen black bear walking around in the Smokies when there’s 6-8 inches of snow...I was raised on a farm that our back edge of farm was the Nat’l Park border...
“I can see how a Newfoundland could be mistaken for a bear by a small child. They are also bred as life savers.”
You are right. A friend has had a few over the years (They don’t live very long) and they are the gentlest, nicest, friendliest and biggest dogs I have ever encountered. Too bad, because I get grossed out by all the drool they wipe all over you. But, yeah, very nice dogs.