Bears typically come out of hibernation in the spring when the temperature begins to warm up and the snow starts melting. This timing varies depending on location, species, and weather conditions:
- In Canada, bears usually hibernate from October or November until April. They begin to wake and come out of their dens around April when the snow melts. Dominant males usually emerge first, followed by lone or sub-adult bears, and lastly mother bears with cubs.
- In Yellowstone, male grizzlies come out of hibernation in mid to late March. Females with cubs emerge later, from April to early May. Black bears tend to wake earlier, typically in late February, especially in lower elevations.
- The hibernation length and timing depend on regional conditions. In northern regions, bears may hibernate about 6 to 7 months, while in milder coastal regions, hibernation could be just 2 to 5 months. If food is available or winters are milder, bears might come out earlier or even be active during winter thaws.
In summary, bears generally come out of hibernation between late February and early May, with males emerging earlier and mothers with cubs emerging last, depending on climate and location.
