NC wildlife agency cautions black bear appetites at seasonal high

RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) is advising people that black bears' eating behavior is peaking now through the fall.

They significantly increase their food consumption to prepare for the colder months when food is less available.

It's called hyperphagia and it means "extreme appetite."

"In late summer through fall, black bears are consuming a variety of hard and soft mast species, from acorns and hickory nuts to pokeberry, cherry, grapes and black gum," said Black Bear Biologist Jenna Malzahn.

"They'll also take advantage of agricultural crops, such as soybeans and standing corn, as well as bird feeders and unsecured garbage and compost."

This level of food consumption can last through early winter.

Bears can put on 3 pounds per day and gain anywhere from 20% to close to 100% of their summer weight.

During hyperphagia, black bears travel extensively, sometimes beyond their home ranges, to search for food for up to 20 hours per day.

This results in more chances for humans and bears to come in close proximity with each other.

The agency suggests some ways to avoid bear encounters to help keep both humans and bears safer.

Bears are typically most active at dawn and dusk.

Contact the N.C. Wildlife Helpline at 866-318-2401 Monday to Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. or your local district wildlife biologist for questions or to report information about a bear incident.