Bear sightings in NC more likely this time of year

RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) — Bears across North Carolina are in “eat mode”, making sightings of them more likely this month.

The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission says there will be an increase in bear activity at residential homes, business areas, in the woods, and on roadways as bears prepare for the winter. Through the fall and sometimes even into winter, bears are eating to gain weight, putting on up to two or three times a day, to get ready for denning season. This process is called hyperphagia.

NCWRC reports bears are searching for food up to 20 hours a day during hyperphagia. They are typically most active at dawn and dusk and their constant search for food can take them across roads more often.

NCWRC says the following steps to avoid a vehicle collision with a bear or any wildlife include:

• If driving with a passenger, put them on wildlife watch.
• Always drive at a reasonable speed and follow the speed limit.
• At night, consider driving below the speed limit to give yourself more stopping time and scan the sides of the road for eyeshine at night.
• Pay extra attention in areas where bushes and trees are close to the road.

Most insurance companies advise that if you see an animal in the road, honk your horn repeatedly, flash your high beams, and try to avoid it, if you can do so safely. Do not swerve into another lane or slam on your brakes, unless you know you can do so safely.

In August and September, many bears travel extensively, including beyond their home ranges, as they search for food, such as berries and nuts. They are opportunistic eaters, which results in more chances for humans and bears to come in close proximity of each other.

Hyperphagia will continue as long as food is available. Even bears that won’t den until December or January still industriously look for food practically around the clock and eat as much as they can find. In areas where bears have found dependable year-round supplies of human-provided foods, they won’t den at all, but will eat as if they are going to.

Bears have been known to den and give birth under bushes and brush piles, or piles of building materials, vacant buildings, garages, storage sheds, or vacation homes that are vacant over the winter. Bearwise.org offers instructions to prevent denning in your crawlspaces or under porches and decks.

Contact the N.C. Wildlife Helpline at 866-318-2401 or your local district wildlife biologist for questions or to report information about a bear incident.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CBS17.com.