Not All Bears Hibernating Yet

More likely to stay awake longer with easy food access

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By Lauren Maxwell
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Story Created: Nov 8, 2012 at 5:53 PM AKDT

Story Updated: Nov 8, 2012 at 6:09 PM AKDT

ANCHORAGE - It may feel like it’s time for bears to be hibernating but Fish and Game assured KTVA there are a few brown bears who are still up and about in the Anchorage area. They happen to be roaming the upper Hillside, looking for an easy meal.

In the last few weeks Fish and Game has had reports of more than a dozen chicken coops raided by bears. Biologist Jessy Coltrane said the bears are still attracted to garbage left out early but they have also developed quite a taste for poultry.

“I think I’ve lost count of how many chicken coops have been hit but they are definitely targeting chickens. They are very smart and once they figure it out, that's what they are looking for.”

Coltrane said black bears are generally hibernating by now and most brown bears should be down by the end of the month. However, as long as they have access to easy food, the more likely they are to stay awake.

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