According to bearwise.org, in October, black bears are searching for food up to 20 hours a day and in a state called hyperphagia or hyper-eating. Bears will continue to look for food as long as it's available and may not hibernate until December.
Climate and food availability
In areas where bears have found dependable year-round supplies of human-provided foods, some no longer den at all, according to the bearwise website. But according to WildSafeBC, black bears are typically in dens from December to April if food is less available.
Den-up isn't predictable
When bears choose to den does not follow a strict calendar date, but depends on food availability, weather and the general health and condition of the bear.
Vehicle collisions
October is one of the top months for vehicle collisions with animals, including bears, according to bearwise. With shorter days and less sunlight, folks are driving more in the dark at dusk and dawn. Bears are typically active at that time because their constant search for food takes them across roads more often. Where do bears actually den?
Most bears don't sleep in big caves but in hollow trees or a nest high-up in a tree, or under root mass or piles of brush on the ground, according to WildsafeBC: "When black bears enter their dens their heart rate drops to about 10 beats per minute and their body temperature drops three degrees; they do not eat, drink, while denning."
Recent sightings in qathet
According to recent black bear sightings in the qathet region posted to the Powell River Bear Sightings group, bears have been sniffing around yards in Black Point south of town, Westview on Marine Avenue (at night), Saskatchewan Avenue and Toba Street.
To see BC government predator statistics for the black bear, search for “Predator statistics: Black bear” at gov.bc.ca.
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