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+--- Thread: Hyperphagia and fun tidbits (/showthread.php?tid=1303)
Hyperphagia and fun tidbits - Michelle - 09-04-2022
Given the spring snow and low temps, it was said that we would have a 'bad bear year', one with diminished natural food sources. So far it looks okay, but not great. Hopefully, bear activity reported on the QT is inspiring folks to do what's necessary: Lock up cars and homes, remove birdfeeders, clean and store your grills, and make sure other attractants like compost and chicken coops are bearproof - before a bear has a chance to start a bad habit. Don't wait until you've reinforced or inadvertently trained a bad behavior to change your own.
Hyperphagia, a bear's physiological transition to fall-fattening before hibernation- varies a bit depending on where a bear lives. Our bears can continue to be active and eating well into November until a diminishing food supply begins to limit weight gain. Also, bear's water requirements skyrocket to several gallons of water daily to process all that food, and water consumption continues for a while after feeding slows. James Creek remains a reliable water source lined with fruit, so down the mountain they come
On hazing - I cannot stress enough how important it is that bears do not begin to feel comfortable hanging around town all day, around people and homes. This is where problematic behavior begins and quickly becomes entrenched. A long-term responsibility of mountain living is ensuring we don't create problems or perpetuate incompatible habits. If you need help figuring out what to do, reach out to John or me - we are happy to help.