Saturday, October 27, 2012, 10 am to 4:30 pm
|
Fall is an exciting time to be in bear country, as bears will be feeding extensively on nutrient-rich wild foods in anticipation of the long winter ahead. Biologists refer to their fall feeding, especially on hard mast, as “hyperphagy,” as the bears may consume between 18,000 to 20,000 calories per day to fatten up for hibernation. We will see plenty of black bear sign, which could include tracks, trails, scat, bear “nests,” digs, claw and bite marks on trees, “whammy” trees, and more. We will share with you an area that we have been visiting for nearly twenty years, as well as some exciting newly-discovered sites with intense bear activity, including what have come to be known as "bear ritual trails." Along the way we will share with you insights that we have gained from our Black Bear research project over the past decade. Come learn about these highly intelligent animals in the crisp, clean autumn air of the scenic Berkshire mountains.
|
Tracking & Nature Center 