[1] The fecal plug forms as the bear enters hibernation, a period characterized by a significant decrease in the animal's metabolic rate.
The primary function of the fecal plug is to prevent defecation during the months of hibernation, aiding in maintaining the bear's energy conservation.
[citation needed] This adaptation is crucial for the bear's survival, as it allows for the conservation of energy and resources in an environment where food is scarce.
The study of fecal plugs provides valuable insights into bear biology, particularly their hibernation habits and digestive processes.
Indigenous peoples and early naturalists have observed and documented this phenomenon, contributing to our understanding and the mythology surrounding bears and hibernation.