I don’t know how many of you have heard about or seen pictures of bears around the land O Lakes area, but as unusual as it may seem, it’s TRUE. I’ve written before that black bears are the masters of winter survival and do not really hibernate but instead enter what is called TORPOR. During this time, their metabolism lowers, heart rate slows, as does breathing and body temperature typically drops 5 to 6 degrees. These sleepy bears live off their fat reserve, and this is why they eat up to and over 20K calories per day prior to entering their winter homes.

Since black bears enter torpor and do not truly hibernate, they can easily wake up for different reasons. So why are we seeing bears when it has been below zero with over two feet of snow? Some will argue it has to do with climate change. This could be true in warmer climates where bears remain active and food is available. Does anyone remember seeing black bears in January or February three years ago when the snowmobile trails didn’t open because of the warmer winter and lack of snow? This being one of the coldest winters we have had in years, climate change has nothing to do with it.

One reason could be the Wisconsin DNR encouraging people to find and report bear den location to help with a study (3rd year) for bear population in each (we are in B) zone. The DNR has asked the public not to come close or disturber the dens but give GPS coordinates, pictures of the den and the surrounding area. My question is, how can you do this without getting close?

Then it was suggested hunters using dogs could be the reason. That statement is way off, and here is why I believe this. 1) That suggestion came from two people that are against hunting. 2) I believe bear hunting with dogs ended October 13th. 3) I’m pretty sure dogs would not be able to maneuver well in 2 feet of snow to find dens.

Could bears come out of their dens in the winter? That is obvious with recent sighting.  Bears CAN/WILL leave their dens if seriously disturbed. Melting snow dripping into the den could cause a bear to relocate but being as cold as it has been that is not the case here.  It has been documented that young males are more likely to be seen in the winter months than mature males and older females.

With all of the above being said, here is my opinion. I believe the real reason we’re seeing bears coming out of their dens middle of winter is FOOD. I’m thinking these are JUVENAL black bears that did not build up enough fat reserves to sustain their time in torpor. The bad part about this reasoning is the unfavorable conditions.

There is no natural food for these young bears to regain the weight (FAT) needed to re-enter dens. Black bears eat fruit like berries and apples. They also consume different vegetation, insects and acorns which are either out of season, dead or buried under two feet of snow. So, what will they eat now? Black bears are opportunist omnivores and can/will scavenge on dead animals if necessary. But our bird feeders were destroyed last October TWICE (I didn’t learn the first time) and being bears love sunflower and other seeds, I would take in bird feeders at night.

Most experts will tell you black bear attacks are highly uncommon, but I don’t care what experts say, you can never be sure. Bears can get aggressive if hungry and food is involved. These bears being seen that are out of their dens could be one of those cases. If you encounter one of these black bears, just back away slowly and make no sudden movements. Also give the bear an escape route. Or maybe don’t try to get pictures/videos and leave them go on their way.