MERIDIAN – As winter approaches, black bears in Mississippi are entering a period known as hyperphagia, when they dramatically increase their food intake to prepare for colder months.
According to the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks, black bears can consume up to 20,000 calories a day during this period and may gain as much as 30% of their body weight in one to two months.
Although Mississippi winters are milder than those in northern states, bears still have a natural instinct to eat more in the fall.
That means bears may spend more time searching for food, increasing the chances of encounters near homes and neighborhoods.
Wildlife officials are reminding residents to avoid feeding or approaching bears and to secure anything that could attract them.
Recommended precautions include securing food, trash and recycling, removing bird feeders when bears are active, keeping pet food indoors, and cleaning and storing grills and smokers.
Residents are also encouraged to alert neighbors when bears are spotted in the area.
More information about black bears and preventing conflicts is available through BearWise and the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks.