Wildlife Wednesday -- Bear Hyperphagia

By Andy Ames

If it seems like bears have been more active lately, it is not your imagination. Bears are now in a state of hyperphagia, meaning they have an insatiable hunger. Since bears can lose up to 30% of their body weight during hibernation they must gain all this back before winter. For example, a 150 pound bear going into hibernation may come out of hibernation at only 100 pounds. That means he/she must gain back 50 pounds before going into hibernation again. Additionally, that weight must be all fat. Bears use water from the metabolization of fat to stay hydrated.

It’s not easy being a bear in the Estes Valley. We have very few large fruits such as apples and plums and little in the way of hard mast such as nuts. We do have an abundance of small fruits and berries spread all over the landscape, however. Here are some examples of food bears are foraging on right now.

Bears manage their population through delayed implantation. This means that if there is an abundance of food they will have cubs over winter. If there is a shortage they may not have cubs at all. This is why it is so important that bears only eat natural food sources, otherwise they can become overpopulated and dependent on human food. Keeping bears safe and healthy takes a community effort.

No doubt searching for food all night, this Black bear looked ready for a nap. There is not much time for rest, however. In order to find enough calories, bears may spend up to 20 hours per day foraging.

Rose hips and Oregon grape.

Raspberries.

These Chokecherries will turn deep purple when ripe.

Kinnikinick, also known as Bearberry.

Wax currant.