Discover More About the Diet of the Bear

Heading out on one of the exciting bear tours on offer? It's a good idea to learn a little more about these magnificent creatures before you go, in order to make the most of this once-in-a-lifetime experience.

What the bears eat and how their diet varies depends on the seasons, which is useful information for those embarking on bear tours.

Carnivores or Omnivores?

You would be forgiven for thinking that all bears are carnivores, but while they are technically meat eaters they are more correctly referred to as omnivores. Their diet is varied and is generally made up of plants, insects, fish and meat. In fact, plants make up the majority, mainly because they provide a lower calorie, abundant food that can keep the animals going between larger meat-based meals.

Of course they also need fat and protein, particularly if they are a species that hibernates during winter. They get these essential nutrients from carrion or from hunting young Elk (moose), deer, or caribou. If you are on one of the bear tours in Canada, you'll note that they choose to live in areas that are dominated by salmon rich rivers and have become very proficient at fishing.

Dietary Requirements Through the Seasons

When the animals wake from hibernation they are understandably hungry! Trees can be bare at this time so they have to forage and scavenge to get what they need. As the grass turns green and meadows bloom, they'll have the opportunity to dig roots and other foods rich in carbohydrates. Those living on the coast may be lucky to find salmon carcasses that have been preserved over winter, but on the whole they tend to lose weight at this time of year.

As winter draws to a close, longer days and a warmer climate mean that the areas of foliage expand. At this time there are many more insects such as ants and beetle larvae to feast on as well. Berries begin to grow in August and these high-energy foods become the meal of choice for the animals, which are now looking to replenish their stores with gusto.

Autumn is when bears eat with a real zeal, as they instinctively begin to pile on the pounds in preparation for their long hibernation. Fat and protein are the key nutrients at this time, but as the frosts begin and food supplies become scarce, they go back to scavenging and feeding on spawning fish if available. November and December see the animals make their way to their winter abode, as snow falls and closets them in a snug hollow until spring beckons. In lower latitudes, however, they have no need to hibernate, and similarly in urban areas they rarely hibernate, as they have learned that humans provide a good source of food in the form of birdseed, pet food and rubbish.

Knowing how and when the bears feed determines the best times for specialist companies to run Bear tours, in order to ensure the best opportunities for sightings.

Marissa Ellis-Snow is a freelance nature writer. If you’re looking for bear tours, Naturetrek specialises in expert-led natural history and wildlife tours worldwide. Naturetrek brings over 25 years of experience to polar expeditions and tours to other spectacular regions on Earth.

Writer and Online Marketing Manager in London.