The Nature of Phenology 2/1/20: Bear Cubs Being Born

Producers: Hazel Stark & Joe Horn
Host: Hazel Stark

Maine has only three true hibernators: groundhogs, little brown bats, and jumping meadow mice. While black bears do hunker down in order to conserve energy for the winter, they aren’t technically hibernators, but rather go into a similar process called torpor. Knowing that black bears do wake up occasionally during the winter makes it seem a bit more understandable that females can give birth during this time of year.

Photos, a full transcript, references, contact information, and more available at thenatureofphenology.wordpress.com.