CANADA: Big Bears During The Rut In Saskatchewan

[Green Chile]

The bears in NC and some southern states can grow bigger because they don’t hibernate. They just eat all year long and they don’t have to work for it…so they are bigger.

 

[BGGMKLR]

I researched this a few years ago. Jim Shockey and his daughter both harvested 600+ lbs bears in North Carolina. What people told me was some of the various growth hormone feed for hogs and cattle was going to the bears, making them bigger. I was also told that most spring bears in the lower 48 and even Vancouver Island have issues with the hides (rubbed).

I know nothing nor have I heard of the "hormone diet" theory. The generally accepted explanation for the over-size dimensions of NC Bears is multi-faceted. When you have an abundance of high calorie nutrition available (wheat,corn,peanuts,etc) and pair that with a temporate climate, the Bears have extended access to ample food sources...for an extended period of time annually.
More food + longer chow time = Jumbo Yogi's.
I know that a lot of Bears at mid to lower elevations will at times skip hibernation here in No. California. Sows will of course den to Cub, but a lot of them just switch to the "frequent nap" program. With no snow to speak of, and the availability of substantial food sources, I would imagine that the coastal NC Bears operate similarly.
As far as Spring Bears being rubbed I can't speak with any authority on the subject as Spring Bear hunts in California were stopped 7 or 8 years ago.
Best
Spike

 

[BGGMKLR]

The bears in NC and some southern states can grow bigger because they don’t hibernate. They just eat all year long and they don’t have to work for it…so they are bigger.

Sorry...you were just a tad quicker on the draw.
Had I seen your post I would have refrained myself.

 

[davidg8480]

I would be interested to visit with you offline about your research, etc. Are you considering a hunt in Hyde county? It’s kind of a bucket list hunt for me.

Myself as well!

 

[Altitude sickness]

I researched this a few years ago. Jim Shockey and his daughter both harvested 600+ lbs bears in North Carolina. What people told me was some of the various growth hormone feed for hogs and cattle was going to the bears, making them bigger. I was also told that most spring bears in the lower 48 and even Vancouver Island have issues with the hides (rubbed).

Here are both the Jim Shockey and his daughters NC bears at my taxidermist years ago. They were the largest black bears I’ve ever seen. (Body wise) not sure of the skulls. These pictures are just after the hides are pulled onto the forms. And before any finish work started. These pictures don’t do the size justice.