Little food is available after bears emerge from their dens in spring.
They lose weight during this period until later in the summer when blackberries, pokeberries and blueberries ripen. During autumn, bears feed heavily on fat-rich acorns and hickory nuts and commonly gain 100 pounds or more during this short time. This extra fat readies them for the rigors of winter denning. Consequently, acorn and other nut crops are vital for bears. Browse the other pictures of bears and learn more about the black bear.