Schultzy,
Bears definitely hibernate in New York State,The weather dictates when they go in and come out.I don't know exactly biologically but I am guessing an approximate 3 to 4 month hibernation,depending upon snow and temperatures.
I understand that bears (Boars specifically) will break hibernation in an unusually warm stretch in the winter and then go back in,when it reverts back to cold.I have seen good sized bear tracks in the snow in similar circumstances as mentioned.
Pennsylvania's weather patterns are similar to where I reside in New York.