ETOWAH COUNTY, Ala. —

Is it too late to submit a contender for Fat Bear Week?

First Warning Meteorologist Jason Simpson was sent these pictures of a massive black bear by J.D. Dodd, who captured them on a trail camera near Tabor Road in Etowah County last weekend.

This sizable specimen is likely fattening up before the temperature drops and it enters a state of torpor.

Similar to hibernation, torpor is when animals like bears enter a prolonged state of energy conservation triggered by cold weather and dwindling food supplies.

Unlike hibernation, however, when animals enter the torpid state, they are still able to quickly snap awake to avoid potential danger or, if available, leave their dens for a short period to find food.

Bear sightings aren't that uncommon around Central Alabama.

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