“This one takes the cake.”
Winter Preparations: Bears Bulk Up for Hibernation
As winter approaches, bears in the northern hemisphere are busy packing on the pounds to sustain themselves during their upcoming hibernation. In a remarkable demonstration of nature’s preparation, park officials in Colorado have identified a standout contender for the title of the “chunkiest bear.”
A Chubby Champion in Colorado
This week, Colorado Parks and Wildlife’s Southwest Region shared a series of intriguing video clips captured by a trail camera in the Durango area. The footage features a bear that seems to be diligently working to enhance its already substantial physique with a thick layer of fat. While it’s uncertain exactly how much this bear weighs, it’s clear that it stands out as one of the most rotund bears around.
The Science Behind Overeating: Hyperphagia
The bear’s impressive bulk is part of a natural process known as hyperphagia, during which bears significantly increase their food intake in preparation for hibernation. During this period, some species can consume nearly 100 pounds of food daily, leading to a daily weight gain of about 6 pounds. This behavior is crucial, as bears typically lose between 15 to 30 percent of their body weight while in hibernation.
The Importance of Fat Reserves
For bears, being heavier is advantageous as it helps them endure the long months of hibernation when they rely solely on their fat reserves. Thus, the more plump the bear, the better equipped it is to survive the winter months ahead. As they prepare for this period of dormancy, the incredible feats of these animals underscore the impressive adaptability of wildlife in the face of seasonal changes.