Bears are Preparing for Winter...and They're Hungry!

We've received a few notifications of bear sightings in Discovery, most recently on Buckeye Dr on the evening of Thursday, 21 September (photos below)

“Hungry as a bear” is a phrase we sometimes use to describe our pre-meal anticipation. That's because at this time of year, black bears have been known to spend up to 20 hours per day eating. So, if you happen to see a black bear in the weeks ahead, it may very likely be eating. Black bears instinctively know that a long period of winter dormancy is in their near future so, to build up body fat to get them through this period of inactivity, they eat...and eat … and eat.

In autumn, they take in somewhere between 15,000 and 20,000 calories per day, building up fat to provide nourishment and insulation during their winter denning period, which begins somewhere between mid-November and mid-December. In our semi-urban environment, often their most available (and attractive) meals are our leftovers!

Since this is a time of year when bears are on a constant search for food, we need to be especially watchful of outside trash cans, bird feeders, and anything else that might serve as a food source for a hungry bear. A bear eating berries in the woods or insects in the distant corner of an open space isn’t a problem and probably isn’t cause for alarm. However, when it gets close to feeders, garbage cans and other human structures, that’s when trouble can begin.

The pictures below were snapped on Buckeye Dr on the evening of September 21st. This mess likely could have been avoided had the residents waited until daylight to set out the "bear meal." Bears have excellent memories for good food sources. Now that this sow and her two cubs have partaken, you can bet they'll be back regularly looking for more treats at the "Buckeye Buffet!" 



First they check to see what's on tonight's menu. "Jackpot! Chow down but don't eat the paper!"

BTW. notice how close one of the cubs is to the front door? This sort of familiarity often leads to lose of fear of humans, then later to aggression, which is sometimes painful for us and almost always fatal for the bears!
      
REMEMBER - NEVER approach a bear on your property – observe it from the safety of your home. If you’re concerned about their behavior, please call the Department of Wildlife at 719-227-5250.

DO NOT FEED THE BEARS OR ANY OTHER WILDLIFE. 
IT IS AGAINST THE LAW!