Message #265089

[Vessel]

 If they exist out there, how they overwinter is indeed an interesting thing to ponder. I would guess it would be a combination of bulking up on body fat beforehand, as well as hunting and gathering. Migrations may also play a significant role.

I've happened across reports of these creatures being somewhat thin, which may be post-winter sightings before they've bulked back up. I've also read reports that indicate the mothers will stash their young while they forage for food - similar to how deer will leave their fawns hunkered down in brush while they do so. So, if this is the case, a mother is not likely to be spotted with her young while foraging.

BTW I've read that bears do not hibernate as is commonly believed. They enter torpor. In this state they are much less active, but they can and do sometimes venture from their dens on warmer days for a short duration.

http://www.bigcat.org/news/the-truth-about-bears-and-hibernation