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Are Bears Nocturnal or Diurnal?
Are bears nocturnal or diurnal? Read this blog post to find out. Plus, the different bear species and other interesting facts about these fascinating animals.
You’re here because you’re curious about how bears sleep and go about their daily routines.
Are bears most active at night (nocturnal) or during the day (diurnal)? It’s a question that wildlife enthusiasts, scientists and people like us often ask.
In this article, we’re going to introduce you to the intriguing world of bears. And you’ll find that the answers to some of your questions aren't as clear-cut as you thought they would be. Let's get started.
Table of Contents
Bears in a Nutshell
Bears are mammals that are known for their sturdy physique, pronounced snouts and claws that can't be pulled back. Their diet is flexible, feeding on both plants and other animals. Except for the Giant Panda that is. Its diet is mainly bamboo. (More on this cute creature later.)
Bears have a distinct sleep pattern. They sleep during the day and night but for short periods at a time. And they hibernate during winter. The duration of their sleep varies from one species to another.
To illustrate, when they’re most active, grizzly bears clock in approximately 4 hours of sleep daily. And so do black bears. Meanwhile, polar bears sleep 7 to 8 hours per day.
Bears have been inhabitants of the Northern Hemisphere for thousands of years. They’ve thrived in these regions successfully. They’re some of the biggest carnivorous creatures on the planet. They often intimidate and amaze because of their sheer size and power.
The Different Bear Species
There are 8 bear species from different parts of the world. Each of these awesome creatures demonstrates unique characteristics and habits. Let's dive into a quick overview of some of these species of bears:
North American Black Bear
According to National Geographic, this species is a forest dweller and is found in North America, Alaska, Canada and even Mexico.
They subsist on a diet of plants and smaller animals. But beware! They can become dangerous once accustomed to human food. (So, don’t be tempted to feed them.)
They hibernate in their dens during winter and don’t come out until spring(1).
Brown Bear (including the Grizzly)
Brown bears live in Europe, Asia and North America. They’re most like humans in the sense that they can walk on their hind legs and grab objects with their "digits." Plus, they sometimes eat what we eat.
World Wildlife Fund says they have a unique way of interacting with each other. And this through tree scratches, noises and scents. Unfortunately, they’ve become targets for hunters despite their large size(2).
Asiatic Black Bear
This mostly diurnal species inhabits Southeast Asia, Japan, the Himalayas and even Iran. The Asiatic Black bear is an omnivore meaning it eats fruit insects, birds, smaller mammals and even bees.
According to Britannica, it stands out from the rest with its shiny black fur. It has a white marking on its chest, which looks like a crescent moon. It also has long, rugged hair around the neck and shoulders(3).
Polar Bear
Polar bears hold the title of being the largest carnivorous land mammal on our planet. They measure 7 to 8 feet, starting from their snout and ending at the edge of their stubby tail, according to the National Wildlife Federation(4).
The polar bear’s body is built to retain warmth and cope with its freezing surroundings. (That’s because it inhabits cold places like the North Pole, Greenland, Alaska and Canada.) It has a layer of fat beneath the surface of its skin, which traps body heat.
The outer fur layer of the bear reflects light, and that’s why it looks so white. But the skin beneath the polar bear's fur is black (only noticeable on its snout).
Spectacled Bear
Mostly diurnal, the spectacled or Andean bear lives in the Andes in South America. It’s named such because of the white patches of fur that encircle its eyes.
According to the Smithsonian's National Zoo & Conservation Biology Institute, they subsist mainly on bromeliads and fruit but are also known to eat small mammals(5).
They’re tree climbers and are capable of making platforms made of sticks so they can raid higher areas for food.
Sloth Bear
These bears are native to India and the Asian subcontinent. They’re nocturnal with humans living near them. If not, they move around during the daytime.
They have shaggy black fur that’s particularly thick around their shoulders. Their coats are also sprinkled with brown and gray hair. Their snouts are long like anteaters but less elongated.
Animal Diversity Web says they have massive feet and gigantic claws but they can outpace a running human. These bears have a light "U" or "Y" shaped patch on their chests(6).
Sun Bear
According to National Geographic, this bear is known for being the smallest among the different species and inhabits Southeast Asia. It gets its name from the golden or white bib-shaped mark on their chest. It’s a mostly nocturnal omnivore that subsists on fruit, lizards, rodents and roots(7).
It has a strong and muscular physique accompanied by small ears and a stubby snout thus the nickname "dog bear." A sleek and short black coat helps prevent them from overheating. However, their fur is thick and rough which shields them from the elements.
Panda Bear
This adorable tree-climbing bear is native to China but loved everywhere else in the world. World Wildlife Fund says their diet largely consists of bamboo. And they can eat 26 to 84 pounds of bamboo per day. Their enlarged wrist bones act like “opposable thumbs,” which helps them consume bamboo easily(8).
The Giant panda is a protected species. This means they can hunt and forage anytime they want without worrying about being hunted. They’re crepuscular, meaning they’re mostly active during twilight (the hours after dawn and before dusk). But that’s not to say that they aren’t on the move at night either.
Factors That Influence Bears’ Activity Patterns
The activity patterns of bears are based on their environment and other factors. Although they are mostly active during the day, elements like human interaction, shifts in seasons and food supply can make them more nocturnal.
For instance, as we mentioned earlier, black bears residing in areas with a high human population often shift to a nighttime routine to avoid dealing with humans.
Climate change also influences the habits of bears, leaving them no choice but to adjust their hunting and food-gathering routines.
A case in point is the melting of Arctic ice due to climate change. This has made it challenging for polar bears to hunt, altering their behavioral patterns. In case you didn’t know, they typically wait by holes in the ice for their prey.
Human-Bear Interactions
Bears, despite being predators, seldom view humans as food. Yet, it’s not way off the mark to hear about bear attacks on humans. This is usually triggered by cooking smells or camping supplies that cause bears to associate humans with food.
These attacks are more common in the daytime. But if a bear is super hungry or has no fear of humans, these attacks can happen at night, too.
The Hibernation Phenomenon
Hibernation is common for most bears during winter for a couple of months. This is when food is scarce and the weather is harsh. How long depends on the weather.
We said that hibernation is common for most bears. But there are exceptions. Polar bears stay active during winter months because it means more ice and more chances at success for hunting.
What isn’t known by many is that they don’t sleep throughout hibernation. They move about to reposition themselves. This is so they can conserve heat and stay comfy.
Another interesting fact is they don’t need to eat, drink and relieve themselves when they hibernate. And this is why they don’t need to leave their dens during winter.
More Information on Whether Animals Are Nocturnal or Diurnal
Curious to know more about the difference between diurnal and nocturnal? Or do you want to know more about nocturnal and diurnal animals? If so, then read these blog posts:
Conclusion: Are Bears Nocturnal or Diurnal?
So, are bears nocturnal or diurnal? The answer isn’t black or white. To summarize, bear behavior changes depending on their species, environment, interactions with humans and the accessibility of food.
By understanding these habits, we can peacefully coexist with these awe-inspiring creatures. And at the same time help them survive in their natural habitat.
We hope this article answered your question and then some. Let us know by dropping a comment below.
Sources:
(1) “American Black Bear” National Geographic, www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/mammals/facts/american-black-bear. Accessed 27 December 2023.
(2) “‘Brown Bear’” World Wildlife Fund, www.worldwildlife.org/species/brown-bear. Accessed 27 December 2023.
(3) “Asiatic black bear” Britannica, www.britannica.com/animal/Asiatic-black-bear. Accessed 27 December 2023.
(4) “Polar Bear” National Wildlife Federation, www.nwf.org/Educational-Resources/Wildlife-Guide/Mammals/Polar-Bear. Accessed 28 December 2023.
(5) “Andean Bear” Smithsonian's National Zoo & Conservation Biology Institute, nationalzoo.si.edu/animals/andean-bear. Accessed 28 December 2023.
(6) “Melursus ursinus sloth bear” Animal Diversity Web, animaldiversity.org/accounts/Melursus_ursinus/. Accessed 29 December 2023.
(7) “Sun Bear” National Geographic, www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/mammals/facts/sun-bear Accessed 29 December 2023.
(8) “Giant Panda” World Wildlife Fund, www.worldwildlife.org/species/giant-panda Accessed 29 December 2023.
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