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State wildlife officials estimate the state's black bear population has remained stable for the past 10 years at 50,000 to 81,000 to animals. Bears can hibernate under decks, in crawl spaces
Winter is finally here, and bears are getting ready to find a den to hibernate in over the next few months. In Wyoming's Yellowstone National Park, one bear was caught prepping for his long sleep ...
An adult bear will consume anywhere from 20,000 to 24,000 calories per day to prepare for hibernation. Tahoe bears will travel long distances to bulk up before winter. How to protect your home
Grizzly bears also do not defecate or urinate throughout the entire hibernation period. The male grizzly bear's hibernation ends in early to mid-March, while females emerge in April or early May. [53] In preparation for winter, bears can gain approximately 180 kg (400 lb), during a period of hyperphagia, before going into hibernation. [54]
Despite long-term inactivity and lack of food intake, hibernating bears are believed to maintain their bone mass and do not suffer from osteoporosis. [ 27 ] [ 28 ] They also increase the availability of certain essential amino acids in the muscle, as well as regulate the transcription of a suite of genes that limit muscle wasting. [ 29 ]
Bears use shelters, such as caves and logs, as their dens; most species occupy their dens during the winter for a long period of hibernation, up to 100 days. Bears have been hunted since prehistoric times for their meat and fur; they have also been used for bear-baiting and other forms of entertainment, such as being made to dance.
If the winter is mild enough, they may wake up and forage for food. Females also give birth in February and nurture their cubs until the snow melts. [91] During winter, American black bears consume 25–40% of their body weight. [92] The footpads peel off while they sleep, making room for new tissue.
According to the NJDEP, if you encounter a bear do not: Feed the bear. Approach the bear. Run from the bear. Make direct eye contact with the bear. To handle a bear encounter the correct and safe way: