hibernation

[brown bess]

Being an ultra-yankee was wondering...do the bears down south hibernate????

brown bess

[Lugnut]

Sort of. They do come out on nice days for a potty break though.

[Lil Rebel]

I live near the Smokies and from different references, I have learned that around 60% Hibernate. Therefore, 40% wander around. A Black Bears hibernation normally ends around March and April. This is a good reason to always hang your food bags.

[ganj]

Any idea if the rate of hibernation is related to the severity of the winter?

[Dirtyoldman]

its heavily related to the birth rate as the mama bears have to den in order to give birth.