Winter Bird Feeding: Or How to Accidentally Open a Bear-Themed Buffet

I think if you’re like me and you’ve never had a close encounter with a bear, they almost feel like a cartoon character — or even more comical, like a myth. Kind of a “I’ll believe it when I see it” situation.

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Rationally, I know bears exist. I also know I don’t know much about them. For example, I always assumed they hibernate all winter, no exceptions. Turns out I was wrong — something our friend Jen the Zookeeper explains below.

Winter Bird Feeding: Or How to Accidentally Open a Bear-Themed Buffet

Winter arrives. Snow falls. The air is crisp. The birds look at you through the window with the unmistakable expression of tiny creatures who have forgotten how to find food on their own. Naturally, you hang a bird feeder, because you are kind, compassionate, and enjoy being judged by chickadees.

At first, it’s magical. Cardinals appear like flying Christmas ornaments. Sparrows argue loudly about nothing. You feel like a woodland hero.

Then the bears notice.

You may think, “Surely bears are hibernating.” This is a comforting myth, much like “I’ll only eat one cookie” or “The raccoon won’t figure out the latch this time.” In reality, winter bears are simply bears on a flexible sleep schedule who have an excellent sense of smell and very strong opinions about free food.

To a bear, your carefully curated blend of black oil sunflower seeds and premium suet is not “for the birds.” It is a protein-rich, no-effort, open-all-night diner. The feeder is not “bear-resistant”; it is “bear-challenging,” which is a very different thing.

Soon you notice signs. The feeder is gone. The pole is bent at a thoughtful angle. There are large, muddy footprints that suggest someone the size of a sofa stopped by, snacked, and left without even saying thank you.

Read More: Not Hibernating - Connecticut Animals Thriving in the Cold 

Meanwhile, the birds are offended. They gather in the trees, glaring at the empty space where their brunch used to be, clearly blaming you for failing to manage your guest list.

The moral of winter bird feeding is simple: feed the birds if you must, but do so wisely. Bring feeders in at night. Use bear-proof setups. And remember—when you put out snacks in winter, you’re not just feeding chickadees.

You’re advertising.

And somewhere in the woods, a bear is reading your sign and thinking, “Finally. Someone who understands me.”

More on Jen the Zookeeper

Jen has spent more than 30 years immersed in the fields of animal care, conservation, and science education. As the former Director of Animal Care for the New Canaan Nature Center in Connecticut, she oversaw the care of native mammals, reptiles, and birds of prey while educating the public about the important roles these wild neighbors play in our ecosystem. Her experience also includes time with both the Bronx Zoo and the Los Angeles Zoo, where she focused on the care of African and Asian wildlife and helped teach visitors about the delicate balance between humans and natural habitats.

Later, while working at a wildlife sanctuary in Half Moon Bay, California, Jen played a key role in training and handling nearly 50 exotic species. She also developed educational programs for at-risk and foster youth, helping historically underserved kids build trust, confidence, and healing connections with the non-releasable animals at the sanctuary.

In addition to her extensive wildlife work, Jen has experience in horse and dog training, animal control, veterinary care, and all things conservation education. Today, she owns and operates Jen Kotkin Pet Care, where she provides personalized care, exercise, and enrichment for dogs, cats, horses, birds, and more.