10/19/2026
To prepare for the winter, black bears enter a phase called hyperphagia, which is when an animal greatly increases their daily food and calorie intake to build up their fat reserves. To put it simply, black bears get the munchies! Bears will rely on these fat reserves when they den for about 5 months this winter where they won’t eat, drink, or even go to the bathroom.
Black bears can build up the fat reserves they need by eating the plentiful natural foods available to them. They do not need handouts from people. Do your part in coexisting with black bears by making sure your property isn’t an all-you-can-eat bear buffet.
You can help keep bears wild:
🔸Never intentionally feed bears and other wildlife
🔸Remove or secure all human-associated food sources, including bird seed, trash, compost, and other attractants
🔸Protect chickens and small livestock from bears with effective and maintained electric fencing
Learn more about living with black bears at mass.gov/bears.
