A Colorado parks and wildlife agency captured footage of a rotund black bear near Durango, Colorado, which quickly went viral online for its impressive size. The wildlife agency jokingly commented on the bear’s weight, stating that it has surpassed all previous sightings of fat bears in the area. The bear was spotted engaging in its favorite activity – eating.
Durango, a small municipality located near the state’s border with New Mexico, is home to a variety of wildlife, including black bears. With winter approaching, bears in the area are entering hyperphagia, a period of increased eating and drinking in preparation for hibernation. During hyperphagia, black bears can consume up to 20,000 calories per day as they stock up on food before entering their dens.
The state agency was amazed by the size of the black bear, jokingly wondering how it manages to sit without rolling over. The bear’s massive build stood out from other viral animal sightings, including a mouse spotted in Utah that appeared larger than usual due to excess weight. The bear’s appearance in Durango highlighted the importance of food availability for bears during the fall season.
As bears continue to eat and drink excessively during hyperphagia, they are preparing their bodies for the long winter ahead. For black bears, finding enough food sources to sustain them during hibernation is crucial, as they will remain in their dens until early November when food becomes scarce. The large black bear spotted near Durango was a clear example of the lengths these animals will go to in order to prepare for hibernation.
The viral footage of the hefty black bear near Durango sparked interest and amusement among wildlife enthusiasts online. People were amazed by the bear’s size and joked about its insatiable appetite. As winter approaches and wildlife in the area prepares for hibernation, sightings of well-fed animals like the black bear serve as a reminder of the importance of food availability in the wild.
Overall, the sighting of the large black bear near Durango, Colorado, served as a humorous yet informative reminder of the incredible abilities of wildlife to prepare for the changing seasons. The bear’s voracious appetite and impressive build captured the attention of people online, highlighting the unique behaviors of animals during the fall season. As Colorado’s wildlife population continues to thrive, sightings of animals like the black bear in Durango showcase the beauty and diversity of the natural world.
