Early spring brings early end to black bear hibernation [Video]

MAINE, USA — With a rare exception to some late snow storms arriving at desperate ski resorts this month, it has felt like spring throughout Maine long before this year’s March 19 equinox. 

That means black bears are emerging from hibernation weeks before they typically would.

The bears usually begin hibernating in November, depending on how much food is still around, and become active again sometime in April depending on if spring has sprouted enough plants around them to eat. 

Climate change affects both of these variables. 

Researchers like Lindsay Seward, a principal lecturer of wildlife ecology at the University of Maine, are keeping an eye on any impacts this would manifest in the years to come. But she said even if some of the bears’ food sources move with the weather to come, the omnivorous eaters are incredibly resourceful.

“They’re eating ants; …