Tappen (biology)

A tappen is an obstruction or indigestible mass found in the intestines of bears and other animals during hibernation. It is also referred to as a "rectal plug." A tappen makes it difficult for the animal to defecate during hibernation, but they are often passed with great pain in the spring time.

Oxford English Dictionary (2nd ed.). Oxford University Press. 1989. ISBN 0-19-861186-2..