Black bears enter hyperphagia as they prepare for winter

As winter approaches, black bears enter a phase called hyperphagia, a natural process during which they increase their food intake to prepare for colder months ahead, according to wildlife experts.

Even in Mississippi, where winters tend to be milder than in northern states, bears instinctively eat more during the fall. During hyperphagia, black bears can consume up to 20,000 calories a day and may gain as much as 30% of their body weight in one or two months.

With bears actively searching for food, residents are urged to take precautions to avoid attracting them to homes and neighborhoods. Experts recommend following six BearWise Basics: never feed or approach bears; secure food, trash, and recycling; remove bird feeders when bears are active; never leave pet food outdoors; clean and store grills and smokers; and alert neighbors to bear activity, according to wildlife organizations.

Additional information about black bears and conflict prevention can be found at BearWise.org and MDWFP.com, authorities said.

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