Fall is an exciting time of year for nature lovers. The leaves change color, the air gets crisper, and animals start to prepare for winter. The black bears in Arnold and throughout the Sierras are extra busy this time of the year. You might wonder why? It is because of hyperphagia.
Hyperphagia is a term that describes the period of increased appetite and food consumption that black bears and many other animals go through in the autumn. These animals must put on extra fat to prepare for winter hibernation. For black bears, hyperphagia typically lasts from mid-August to early November. During this time, they can consume up to 20,000 calories per day! That is an astounding amount of food, especially considering that the average human only eats around 2000-3000 calories per day. Hyperphagia allows black bears to put on the extra weight they need to survive the winter months without food. Without this period of increased appetite, many black bears would not make it through the winter. Hyperphagia is thus an essential part of a black bear’s life cycle.
Black bears are not the only animals that experience hyperphagia. Many species of animals, including rodents and bats, undergo a similar process in preparation for winter. However, black bears are one of the most well-known examples of hyperphagia because of their impressive ability to consume large quantities of food.
During hibernation, black bears enter a state of torpor, a deep sleep that helps them conserve energy. Torpor allows black bears to reduce their body temperature and heart rate, which reduces their need for food. As a result, hyperphagia helps black bears build enough fat stores to last through the winter months.
While hyperphagia is necessary, it can also be dangerous for black bears. The increased food intake can lead to obesity and other health problems, so black bears need to balance their diet and exercise during this time. All in all, hyperphagia is an incredible process that helps black bears to survive the winter months. It is a fascinating example of the lengths that animals will go to to ensure their survival.
Thanks for reading!
© 2019 I Don’t Know All The Answers, Nikki Mastro
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