SALEM, Ore. — As fall sets in, bears are beginning their annual fall eat-a-thon, known as hyperphagia, as they prepare for winter, Oregon Dept. of Fish and Wildlife reports.
This intense feeding period begins in late summer when berries and fruits ripen and peaks when fruits like pears, apples, and plums become available. During this time, bears spend up to 20 hours a day foraging for food.
ODFW is urging Oregon residents, vacation rental managers, and visitors to secure attractants and prevent bears from accessing trash, bird seed, pet food, livestock and poultry feed and other tempting food sources – including dirty diapers (yes, this is true). If these types of food are easily accessible, bears won’t turn down an easy meal. Bears that become used to “people food” can pose a serious safety risk to people…