09/02/2026
🐻 BEAR AWARE: HYPERPHAGIA SEASON IS HERE 🐻
As autumn approaches, bears enter hyperphagia—a period of intense feeding as they work hard to build up fat reserves for the winter ahead.
During this time, bears can consume up to 20,000+ calories a day, spending much of their time focused on one thing: finding food. 🍎🌿
That doesn’t mean they aren’t dangerous. In fact, a bear that is concentrating heavily on feeding may be less aware of what’s happening around it, making it especially important for us to be alert, make noise, and give wildlife plenty of space.
If you’re heading outdoors, here are a few ways to help keep yourself—and our bears—safe:
🔒 Secure your attractants.
Food, garbage, toiletries, pet food and anything else with a scent should be stored securely in a locked hard-sided vehicle or trailer, bear-resistant container, food locker or properly constructed bear hang. Use bear-resistant garbage and recycling bins whenever they’re available.
👂 Stay alert on the trail.
Pay attention to your surroundings while hiking, biking, running or working outdoors. Consider leaving the headphones at home so you can hear what’s happening around you.
📢 Make your presence known.
Especially around corners, dense vegetation, creeks and other areas where visibility is limited. Talking, singing or making occasional noise can help prevent surprising a bear.
🐻 Carry bear spray—and know how to use it.
Keep it accessible, not buried at the bottom of your pack. Take a few minutes to learn how and when to use it before you need it.
🚫 Never approach or feed a bear.
Give wildlife the space they need to move through their environment naturally.
Remember: We share this landscape with bears. A little preparation and awareness can go a long way toward keeping both people and wildlife safe.
Stay alert. Stay prepared. Respect the wildlife around you. 🌲🐾
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