Black bears across North Carolina are eating at a seasonal high right now, and the state’s wildlife agency is urging homeowners to lock up anything that could smell like food. The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission issued the caution on October 5, explaining that the bears are in hyperphagia, a biological phase when they feed nearly nonstop to build fat reserves for winter. I opened the commission’s press release and read the full notice, which spells out the steps the agency wants residents to take before the feeding frenzy brings a bear onto a porch or into a yard.
During hyperphagia, bears can consume up to 20,000 calories a day, and they will wander far beyond their usual range to find them. The commission says bird feeders, pet food bowls, grills with leftover grease, and unsecured trash cans are the main draws. I compared the agency’s current language with its previous fall warnings, and the message is consistent: a bear that finds an easy meal today will keep coming back until the food is gone or the bear is relocated.
What This Means for Homeowners
If you live in North Carolina, the commission’s advice is simple: take down bird feeders until December, store pet food indoors, and keep garbage in a secured container until pickup morning. The agency also recommends cleaning grills after each use and removing fallen fruit from around trees. For anyone who spots a bear near the house, the commission says to give it space and let it move on, and to report aggressive behavior to the local wildlife office.
Bears are most active at dawn and dusk during this period, so encounters are more likely in the next several weeks. The commission notes that black bears are found in all 100 counties, not just the mountains, and that suburban areas see more visits in fall than any other season. If a bear does get inside a garage or shed, the practical steps are outlined in the Emergency Wildlife in Your Home guide, which covers how to handle the situation without putting yourself at risk. Knowing when to handle a wild animal yourself and when to call a professional is a separate question, and the DIY vs Professional Wildlife Removal page breaks down the options for homeowners facing repeat visitors.
The full advisory is available on the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission website, which also lists contact information for each district office.
