Black bears exhibit several remarkable adaptations. These same bears exited dens as early as February and as late as April. Bears spend time in neighborhoods because food sources – bird feeders, garbage, open compost, grills, etc., are abundant and easy to access. Bears hibernate during the winter months in most areas of the world. In the past, black bears occupied forested regions across the majority of the continent, but their range has since been significantly reduced. Sometimes they even store food in their dens which they eat when they hibernate as food becomes scarce in winter. Baby bears and hibernation are related! Black bears actually go through 5 stages of activity levels throughout the year – hibernation, walking hibernation, normal activity, hyperphagia, and fall transition. Look for tracks in soft earth or around mud puddles, and for claw marks on smooth-bark trees or rotten logs that have been ripped apart for insects. Each autumn, most bear species around the world will ease up on scaring campers and scampering through the woods, and settle in a den to hibernate their way through the cold winter months. Historically there was a question of whether or not bears truly hibernate since they experience only a modest decline in body temperature (3–5 °C) compared with the much larger decreases (often 32 °C or more) seen in other hibernators. in the scale of 1, Strongly Disagree, to 5, Strongly Agree, Professional Training & Career Development. There are also reptiles and insects that hibernate as well. Bears have been responsible for attacks on chickens and livestock in Massachusetts. Pregnant females often enter dens the earliest (sometimes as early as mid-October) and those with newborn cubs (that were born in the winter den) typically exit in early April. Will a mother bear attack me if I get between her and her cubs? Females with first-year cubs den with their young. Since they don’t eat, bears break down stored fats and protein. Bears hibernate not because of the cold but because there is a lack of food during the winter months. . If a bear then behaves in a way that is a threat to public safety it may be euthanized. This is known as predictive dormancy as the reptiles anticipate winter by decreasing day lengths so that they do not freeze to death when winter sets in. Black bears do not have a territory they defend but they will have home ranges. Bears lose 15-20% of their body weight during hibernation. Bears can be found in all of western and central Massachusetts, as well as northwestern Middlesex County. as the reptiles anticipate winter by decreasing day lengths so that they do not freeze to death when winter sets in. Will a bear attack my chickens or livestock? Black bears have the unique ability to hibernate for 5-7 months of the year. They can react to various stimuli and can be disturbed. They become inactive to conserve energy during the challenging winter months. Talk about reusing and recycling! Where do bears go when they’re looking for sleep, though? How long do bears hibernate? Hibernation is characterized by a drop in body temperatures. Historically there was a question of whether or not bears truly hibernate since they experience only a modest decline in body temperature (3–5 °C) compared with the much larger decreases (often 32 °C or more) seen in other hibernators. Teaching is her passion as she loves to connect with children. It is important that you remove the entire feeder at the first sign of bear activity. But even though tissues are broken down into proteins, the bears do not lose much muscle. Some bears have learned to simply empty bird feeders without destroying the feeder. After an unseasonably warm winter, bears may come out of hibernation as early as January or February. However, it is known that these bears maintain stability in mineral levels and a consistent body mass. Hibernating bears lose at least half their body fat, but — amazingly — they don’t lose any muscle mass or … Bears need to put on a lot of weight fast, as they’ll survive entirely off their fat stores during hibernation. How long a bear hibernates depends on the climatic conditions of the residing area. Hibernation is a voluntary state an animal enters to conserve energy, when food is scarce, and minimize exposure to the winter elements. We’ll have to sleep on that one for a bit. The process of hibernation is one of prolonged dormancy which can last between days and months, depending on the needs of the individual. Female bears usually give birth during hibernation. It is a common belief that bears hibernate during winter and undergo an inactive condition. Bears hibernate not because of the cold but because there is a lack of food during the winter months. 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