Residents in the state of Alaska in the U.S. need to prepare for bears emerging from winter hibernation, a state wildlife official warned.

Alaska Department of Fish and Game biologist Ross Dorendorf said bears are normally expected to wake from hibernation in March or April.

Bears may seek food from trash cans or other man-made situations when natural sources run low, said Dorendorf.

"If the berries change or if the salmon change, it could be an increase or a decrease in the amount of activity we see here in town," he said. "Because when there is a food shortage for bears, they will come in and try to get to those easier food sources."

The first bears to emerge from hibernation are generally males, followed by females without cubs and then female bears with cubs, Dorendorf said.

"They're kind of at an interesting time in their life cycle right now," Dorendorf said. "When they come out of hibernation, they go into what's called walking hibernation."

The bears may be lethargic as they emerge in the coming month, Dorendorf said, a condition that could last about two weeks.

(All images via VCG)

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