We sold our property in Arnold and are preparing to relocate to a new home, but that doesn’t mean my thoughts aren’t on the many animals I studied and came to love. My thoughts are on the animals, even more so. I miss them! In this blog, I will focus on my beautiful Black Bears and explore the various activities Black Bears undertake in the Sierras during the Fall season.
Note: The Black Bear featured in the primary photograph walked through my property in Arnold following a game trail in the Fall of last year.
It’s that time of year again; the temperature starts to drop, the leaves turn golden and crimson, and the animals in the Sierras are in full motion to prepare for winter. The Black Bears are among the many animals preparing for the cold season. These creatures are renowned for their insatiable appetite in the Spring and Summer months, but they get busy preparing for hibernation in the Fall.
Gorging on Food:
One of the first things Black Bears in the Sierras do in the Fall is to prepare for winter by consuming as much food as possible. During these months, a Black Bear can eat more than 20,000 calories daily, taking fruits, nuts, and other high-energy foods. This substantial intake helps them prepare for hibernation since they do not eat or drink during that period.
Finding a Den:
Another activity for Black Bears in the Sierras in the Fall is finding a suitable place to hibernate. Before selecting a den, these animals will look for safe locations that are usually void of predators. Black Bears use dens to lower their body temperature, heart, and respiration rates to conserve energy over the winter months. The bear digs into thick vegetation on hillsides or tree cavities; in some cases, they take over abandoned dens of other small animals.
Preparing the Den:
Black Bears ensure their selected dens are well insulated to keep warm during hibernation. They gather dead branches, leaves, and other organic materials to line the den. Additionally, they make sure the entrance is narrow to reduce heat loss. Black bears also create a “pre-hibernation chamber” close to the den’s entrance. This chamber helps acclimatize their bodies to the winter’s colder temperature.
Fattening themselves Up:
Black Bears in the Sierras also fatten and accumulate significant fat deposits underneath their skin during the Fall. This process usually happens in the final weeks before hibernation to ensure they have enough reserve energy to last the winter. The layer of fat also provides insulation against the harsh Sierras’ winters. This additional body weight can be up to 50% of their usual body weight.
Reduced Physical Activity:
In the Fall, Black Bears in the Sierras gradually reduce their physical activity, tranquilizing and slowing down their metabolic rates to conserve energy. Their body temperature drops to as low as 88F instead of 103F during hibernation. The decreased energy needs allow them to conserve energy during Winter sleep.
In the Fall, Black bears in the Sierras are busy creatures taking steps to prepare their bodies for the long and cold winter months, from consuming large amounts of food to fatten themselves to finding a suitable den to prepare their dens and slowing down their metabolic rates. The Fall season prepares the black bears for a long hibernation period to improve their chances of survival and minimize energy usage. Watching these creatures prepare for winter is fascinating as it shows how well attuned they are to their environment and how they adapt to endure even the harshest conditions.
Thank you for reading this blog post, and if you have any questions or comments, please leave them in the Comments section below.
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