Full Breakdown
Increased Black Bear Activity in North Carolina and Colorado During Hyperphagia
9/10/2025, 12:32:36 PM
Understanding Hyperphagia in Black Bears
As fall approaches, black bears in North Carolina and Colorado enter a period known as hyperphagia, characterized by a significant increase in food intake as they prepare for winter. In this phase, bears can forage for up to 20 hours a day, seeking around 20,000 calories to build fat reserves necessary for survival during the colder months. This behavior can lead to bears gaining between 20% to nearly double their summer weight.
Rising Bear Sightings and Human Encounters
In North Carolina, the Wildlife Resources Commission has reported a surge in bear sightings across residential areas, highways, and public spaces. This increase is attributed to bears foraging for food, often leading them to human food sources such as unsecured trash, pet food, and bird feeders. The commission warns that vehicle collisions are now the leading cause of bear deaths in the Asheville area, particularly on major roadways like I-240, I-40, and I-26.
Similarly, Colorado has experienced a record number of bear reports, particularly in late summer and fall. The majority of these conflicts arise from bears accessing human food sources, which can result in relocation or euthanization of the animals. In 2024, Colorado Parks and Wildlife reported relocating 68 bears and euthanizing 98, with most cases linked to human behavior.
Official Recommendations for Residents
Wildlife officials in both states recommend several measures to mitigate bear encounters. In North Carolina, residents are advised to secure trash, remove bird feeders, and bring pet food indoors. The commission emphasizes the importance of preventing bears from associating human food with easy access, as this can lead to increased bear activity near homes.
In Colorado, Parks and Wildlife provides similar guidance, urging residents to secure food and garbage, remove bird feeders during active bear seasons, and alert neighbors to bear activity. They also recommend safe camping practices, such as cooking away from tents and storing food securely.
Criticism and Opposition
Despite the measures suggested by wildlife agencies, some residents express frustration over the increasing bear presence and the challenges it poses. Critics argue that the responsibility to manage bear encounters often falls disproportionately on homeowners, who must take extensive precautions to protect their property and pets.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Hyperphagia is really just super mega eating mode for bears,” — Ashley Hobbs, BearWise Coordinator, N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission
- “Even bears that won’t den until January or February still look for food practically around the clock and eat as much as they can find,” — Colleen Olfenbuttel, Game Mammals and Surveys Supervisor, N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission
- “Colorado Parks and Wildlife/Courtesy Photo Regardless of the time of year, the vast majority of bear conflicts in Colorado are related to trash as well as other human food attractants including bird seed, pet food, barbecue grills and more.” — Colorado Parks and Wildlife
What's Next
As bear activity typically tapers off around Thanksgiving, residents are encouraged to remain vigilant and continue following safety recommendations. The N.C. Wildlife Helpline is available for reporting bear incidents, while Colorado Parks and Wildlife continues to monitor bear populations and conflicts.
