This fall, black bears enter hyperphagia, chasing ~20,000–24,000 calories/day and stretching activity into dusk and dark. If your snacks are handy at the wrong hour, that urgency can turn your pack into bait—with consequences for you and the bear.
Expect black bears in hyperphagia 20,000 calories now
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In September–November, black bears shift into a feeding sprint, often active up to 20 hours/day and ranging farther for easy calories. Wildlife agencies note that August–October drive a majority of conflict reports when food scents cue bears to people. Your timing and food handling now carry outsized weight on crowded trails.
Why dayhikers relax while trail runners face dusk danger
Midday walkers on popular loops typically create noise and visibility, while runners at dawn/dusk move quietly through blind corners and berry patches where bears feed. Parents with kids in carriers gain peace by choosing busier hours; solo runners face higher surprise-encounter risk on narrow singletrack.
“Research shows that bears prefer natural sources of food. But they will seek out sources of human-provided food if it’s available which can become dangerous to humans,” — Brad Banulis, Senior Wildlife Biologist, Colorado Parks and Wildlife.
Secure food before Oct 31 as black bears roam longer
Action beats bravado: stow all food, trash, and scented items the moment you stop, and cook away from your tent or car. Make noise on blind corners, leash dogs, and carry bear spray where legal—front strap, safety on.
| Step | Detail | Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Move snacks into odor-resistant bag; keep pack closed between bites | Today |
| 2 | Shift workouts away from dusk/dawn; choose busier trails | Within 7 days |
| 3 | Practice quick food storage at every stop; no crumbs left behind | Every outing |
| 4 | For overnights, cook 100+ ft from sleeping area; store food properly | By Oct 31, 2025 |
What should you do if a bear approaches or touches your car? Honk and slowly drive away!
Help us keep wildlife wild and protect their safety and yours. View more of our park safety tips: https://t.co/CVZtDlQZrg pic.twitter.com/fs0QsvSIlo
— Yellowstone National Park (@YellowstoneNPS) June 12, 2025
Track black bear trash raids and berry failures next 60 days
Watch for early warnings: tipped cans at trailheads, fresh scat with seed pits, and ranger alerts about poor berry or acorn (“mast”) crops. A 60-day stretch of lean natural food can push black bears to campsites and parking lots, especially after warm evenings and busy weekends.
Are black bear encounters per mile rising since September?
Keep notes in your activity app: time of day, mileage, food handling, and sightings. If your dusk loops show a trend—more tracks, scat, or roadside bears—adjust routes and stash practices. Your own logs reveal patterns faster than headlines.
SOURCES
- https://cpw.state.co.us/news/08232024/cpw-reminds-people-remain-bear-aware-fall-bears-become-more-active
- https://www.nps.gov/subjects/bears/safety.htm
- https://wildlife.ca.gov/News/Archive/fall-means-feeding-frenzy-for-black-bears
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