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The milder weather this winter, combined with an abundance of acorns and beechnuts, have created ideal conditions for bears to remain active.

They prey on a number of native animals and can out-compete native wildlife for food such as acorns and beechnuts.

Vermont bear biologist Forrest Hammond says many bears went into their winter dens last fall in poorer than normal condition due to a shortage of acorns, beechnuts and apples.

I once read a recipe for a soothing tea made of beechnuts.

In addition to acorns, black bears also eat berries and beechnuts, among others foods, according to the North American Bear Center.