Bears are omnivores, meaning they eat both plant and animal matter. Their diet varies depending on the species, habitat, and season. Here are some common foods that bears eat:
Fruits and Berries: Bears love fruits and berries, such as blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, cherries, and strawberries. These are a major part of their diet during the summer months.
Nuts: Bears also eat nuts, such as acorns, beechnuts, walnuts, and hazelnuts. These are a nutritious source of fat and protein.
Insects: Bears will also eat insects, such as ants, bees, wasps, and termites. These are a good source of protein and fat.
Fish: Some bear species, such as the grizzly bear and the brown bear, are skilled fishermen. They will catch and eat fish, such as salmon, trout, and whitefish.
Mammals: Bears will also prey on mammals, such as deer, elk, moose, caribou, and bison. They will also eat smaller mammals, such as rabbits, hares, squirrels, and groundhogs.
Birds: Bears will also eat birds, such as ducks, geese, grouse, and ptarmigan. They will also eat bird eggs.
Carrion: Bears will also eat carrion (dead animals). This is often a last resort when other food sources are scarce.
Human Food: Bears will also be attracted to human food sources, such as garbage, pet food, and livestock feed. This can lead to conflicts between bears and humans.