A fecal plug (occasionally known as a ''tappen'') is a large mass of hardened

feces Feces ( or faeces), known colloquially and in slang as poo and poop, are the solid or semi-solid remains of food that was not digested in the small intestine, and has been broken down by bacteria in the large intestine. Feces contain a relati ...

produced by a

bear Bears are carnivoran mammals of the family Ursidae. They are classified as caniforms, or doglike carnivorans. Although only eight species of bears are extant, they are widespread, appearing in a wide variety of habitats throughout the Nor ...

during its winter

hibernation Hibernation is a state of minimal activity and metabolic depression undergone by some animal species. Hibernation is a seasonal heterothermy characterized by low body-temperature, slow breathing and heart-rate, and low metabolic rate. It most ...

. The plug forms in the colon, and consists of a variety of materials ingested by the bear during and immediately before hibernating. Some of the fecal plug's material is composed of undigested food that was eaten before the bear even entered its den. However, much is formed by cells that slough off the intestinal walls, rocks ingested by the bear during grooming sessions, and even bits of plant-based bedding. Bears have been observed licking and chewing on their own

footpad In archaic terminology, a footpad is a robber or thief specialising in pedestrian victims. The term was used widely from the 16th century until the 19th century, but gradually fell out of common use. A footpad was considered a low criminal, as opp ...

s during the later months of hibernation, and bits of this dried

callus A callus is an area of thickened and sometimes hardened skin that forms as a response to repeated friction, pressure, or other irritation. Since repeated contact is required, calluses are most often found on the feet and hands, but they may o ...

ed skin has been found in fecal plug material. Fecal plugs are expelled by the bear upon waking in spring, usually near the entrance to the den.

References

{{Reflist Feces Digestive system