11/02/2022
Black bears (Ursus americanus) in Shenandoah are currently in an annual phase called “hyperphagia” which means “excess eating." During this time, they are consuming up to 20,000 calories per day to create the fat reserves they need to survive the winter while denning. They den in a reduced energy state called "torpor" or winter lethargy. Bears in Shenandoah achieve their hefty weight by eating the park’s plentiful natural foods such as acorns, wild apples, carrion, and insects. However, bears will also opportunistically take human food if it is available to them.
Compared to the bears’ natural foods, human foods tend to be much higher in calories and can be extremely tempting for even the best-behaved bears. Unfortunately, eating human foods often causes bears to become food-conditioned and lose their natural fear of humans. This can lead to increased boldness toward humans, property damage, and greatly increases the likelihood of the bear being harmed.
One human food source that visitors don’t often consider are decorative pumpkins! So, please remember to secure all coolers, food, trash, AND scented items such as citronella candles, toiletries, and wipes. Don’t let a good bear go bad!
Image: A plump black bear laying in a bed of leaves.
