When do sierra bears hibernate

Unique among mammals, black bears are able to recycle calcium back into their bones during hibernation, avoiding the erosion of bone osteoporosis that usually accompanies long periods of inactivity. Black bears will also slough their paw pads during hibernation. Eating and Sleeping Like humans, bears are omnivores, eating both plants and animals. There are usually 2 - 3 cubs per litter, but litter sizes can be as large as 5.

The cubs are born in a den while the mother is hibernating sleeping during the winter. At birth the cubs weigh between and g 7 - 16 oz. They are born blind, with no fur and they will remain with their mother in the den until spring. The cubs are weaned at 6 - 8 months old.

They usually stay with their mother for about 2 years so they can learn how to hunt and survive. They reach sexual maturity when they are between 2 and 5 years old. Life Span: American Black Bears can live to 30 years in the wild.

They usually live for only about 10 years, due to encounters with humans. Other than humans, black bears have few predators — bobcats, cougars, and coyotes occasionally attack cubs. Did you know? Bears may forage up to 20 hours a day during fall, increasing their body weight by 35 percent in preparation for winter. Cubs stay with their mother for about 2 years to learn how to hunt and survive. Humans, mountain lions, wolves and brown bears are the only predators of American black bears.

A lot of times in the winter, a den will get covered with snow. This bear chose to make his den under somebody's deck. Bears eat a lot of food before they hibernate.

They have to eat more than 20, calories every day to stock up on energy before they hibernate for the winter. Human food is bad for bears, and feeding bears isn't safe for you or the bear. Black bears eat both plants and animals. They are omnivores. They like grass, berries, and blossoms. In the spring, the mother and cubs will eventually move on from the den site. Bryant said that each year, she and her organization receive many calls from visitors hoping to catch a glimpse of a bear to get a picture of one to share with their friends.

A bear got into a car for a gum wrapper. Bryant said that if a car is left unlocked, the bears often figure out how to open the door. To keep bears out of vehicles, Bryant recommends removing all trash and scented products, including gum and lip balm.

This iconic photo from May shows a black drinking from a plastic soda bottle during Memorial Day weekend near South Lake Tahoe, proving that bears here thrive off garbage.