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North Carolina Bears Entered Annual Hyperphagia Phase

State wildlife officials are warning residents to secure food sources as bears increase their daily caloric intake.

Updated on Oct. 5, 2026 in Wildlife

Gouache-painted editorial illustration of a black bear walking through fallen autumn leaves past a wooden shed, reflecting seasonal wildlife activity.
North Carolina wildlife officials are urging residents to secure pet food and garbage as black bears enter hyperphagia, a period of intensive foraging for winter survival. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Would you modify your yard or remove potential food sources to discourage local bear activity?

Black bears across North Carolina have entered hyperphagia, a critical period of intense foraging to prepare for the coming winter. During this time, bears may wander into residential neighborhoods to seek out calorie-dense food sources.

Why it matters

Bears are driven by an biological imperative to consume up to 20,000 calories daily to build fat reserves for winter survival. This behavior increases the likelihood of bear activity near homes, which can lead to property damage if attractants are not secured.

Bears can gain up to 3 pounds per day while foraging for 20 hours daily to meet their fall caloric needs. If you encounter issues, the N.C. Wildlife Helpline is available at 866-318-2401.

The players

N.C. Wildlife Helpline

A state-operated resource that provides guidance and takes reports on wildlife interactions in North Carolina.

The details

Hyperphagia forces bears to search relentlessly for nuts, berries, pet food, and garbage to survive the winter. Because natural food sources are scarce, bears often venture under sheds, brush piles, or vacant homes to den. If bears maintain access to human-provided food, they may bypass their natural denning instincts and remain active throughout the winter months.

Timeline

  1. Late summer and fall marks the start of the hyperphagia weight-gain phase.

  2. Most bears typically enter their winter dens by mid-December.

  3. The N.C. Wildlife Helpline operates weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The Home Front

The current uptick in bear activity aligns with documented seasonal foraging patterns identified by the BearWise education program. Residents should anticipate increased sightings as bears shift their focus to building fat reserves ahead of the winter denning season.

Take steps to secure garbage, pet food, and bird seed to discourage bears from approaching your property. Check for potential denning spots, such as under sheds or building materials, to avoid unwanted visitors.

The takeaway

Increased bear activity is a predictable result of the fall hyperphagia phase as animals prioritize weight gain. If you observe persistent bear activity or safety concerns, report them to the N.C. Wildlife Helpline at 866-318-2401 during weekday business hours.

Further reading

For more information on coexisting with bears, visit our Wildlife section.

More information

For more tips on deterring bears and safely managing attractants, visit the BearWise educational resource website.

Live Poll

Would you modify your yard or remove potential food sources to discourage local bear activity?