Black bears (Ursus americanus) are an ubiquitous species that inhabit the many forested and mountainous regions throughout North America. Their unique behaviors and adaptations have long fascinated biologists and animal lovers. One intriguing behavior is hyperphagia – an intense and voracious feeding period that occurs in the months leading up to winter torpor (colloquially referred to as hibernation). Hyperphagia is a critical phase in a black bear's life cycle, as it prepares them for the energetic limits linked to fasting throughout winter.
Hyperphagia is a phenomenon characterized by an increased appetite and the excessive consumption of food. The onset of hyperphagia depends on the geographic and environmental conditions of the habitat. For black bears in the North Central United States, this period typically begins in late August and ends following multiple days of a hard frost. During hyperphagia, black bears can consume enormous amounts of food, sometimes doubling or tripling their body weight. Bears who fail to fatten up sufficiently may not survive hibernation, exit the winter den weak, or starve newborn cubs birthed during the winter months.
Black bears are among my favorite species to photograph. With doglike characteristics, the movement of their eyes and ears can elicit an emotional response by anyone with a beating heart. The elongated snout, sloppy tongue, and pot belly makes this large carnivore appear to be cute and cuddly; it is no wonder that Teddy bears continue to be America’s favorite stuffed animal.
When photographing black bears consider the following instructional and cautionary points:
Be aware of your surroundings… Black bears and their behaviors can be so captivating that it is easy to forget the potential dangers of being in bear habitat. The bear you see in front of you may not be the only bear in your vicinity. The latter is especially true if you are photographing a cub in a tree. Being bear aware means looking around from time to time, and not spending too long with an individual animal. Make your images and move on.
Distance matters… Use a telephoto lens to photograph black bears in order to maintain a safe and respectful distance. Monitor the bear’s behavior and how it is viewing you. If the bear is spending more time watching you than eating, sleeping, or interacting with other bears, move on.
Learn bear behavior… Bears are bigger, faster, and stronger than humans. While 99% of North American bears are fearful of people and want nothing to do with us, an angry bear can cause serious bodily harm. Observe your bear subjects from a distance and have an exit plan for backing away from a bear that might become a bit too curious. Bears have poor sight but an amazingly acute sense of smell. It is not a threat when a bear stands on their hind legs, as this is how they survey the odors in their environment. On the other hand, when a bear begins to breath heavy and tense its muscles, it’s time to walk away and return to your car.
Bears are fast… Always bring a slower friend with you 🤣.
Finally, black bears have very dark fur. Photographing them can be a challenge. You will produce your best bear photographs on overcast days when the light is soft and free of shadows. The “soft box” of a cloudy sky will reduce the chance of photographing a bear that lacks details surrounded by highlights in the forest. Soft light allows you to expose for the fur on a bear’s body while reducing distractions throughout the image. When setting your meter, do not be surprised if you need to underexpose your reading by as much as 2 stops in order to render a black bear’s coat accurately.
Late August through early October can be a great time to find a tubby Teddy. For those looking to make pictures of black bears, drive the back roads of public land, visit a national forest, or head out to one of the many National Parks throughout Canada and the US.
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