Bear News – September 16, 2023

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Lucky cleans enclosures, Tasha rests, Holly digs again.

Bear Weights:
Lucky ? lbs. • Holly ? lbs. • Tasha ? lbs.
(Bear weight contest coming soon)

[/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_single_image image=”36925″ img_size=”large” add_caption=”yes” alignment=”center” onclick=”custom_link” link=”https://bear.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/20230719_Lucky_2.jpg”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_column_text]For the first time this summer Holly had not shown up. I was pretty sure she had foiled us again and had been digging somewhere in the back of the enclosure. She is getting better about hiding her intentions. She was out Wednesday and had dirt on her face and ears. It was really up to us to find where she had been digging. We decided if it was not near the fence we would leave her alone.

I challenged our staff and interns to find out where Holly was digging and if someone found the spot, I’d do their program for them. Spencer found it. It’s in a dense portion of the enclosure maybe 75 ft. from the fence and on a slight ridge.[/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”36921″ img_size=”large” add_caption=”yes” alignment=”center” onclick=”link_image”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”36920″ img_size=”large” add_caption=”yes” alignment=”center” onclick=”link_image”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_column_text]Spencer usually does the snake program; I do not handle snakes. Therefore, on Thursday, I did my turn as the Behind-the-Scenes speaker. Lucky bear was given a carrot. He took it near the entrance of Den #3 and sat down. He took three bites and laid his head on his tub as if to say, “Can someone chew this for me.” I then told our guests about the 5 stages of hibernation. Our bears are currently in Fall Transition, the last stage before hibernation. Check out more on the 5 Stages of Activity and Hibernation[/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”36930″ img_size=”large” add_caption=”yes” alignment=”center” onclick=”link_image”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”36931″ img_size=”large” add_caption=”yes” alignment=”center” onclick=”link_image”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”36929″ img_size=”large” add_caption=”yes” alignment=”center” onclick=”link_image”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_column_text]During my morning quest on Wednesday to find Holly, Lucky joined me. Holly found us along the fence path and engaged in some play with Lucky. I guess I should have recorded it but it’s such a special moment that makes being the Sr. Bear Keeper a privilege. The three of us walked back down to their dens and I let them both in. Holly and Tasha were let out into the big enclosure after a food spread was done.[/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_single_image image=”36919″ img_size=”500×513″ add_caption=”yes” alignment=”center” onclick=”link_image”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_column_text]The bears all eat the white clover that was planted in each of the individual dens. It was also planted in the main enclosure near and around the pond. Clover must also make a nice comfy bed because Tasha was laying on top of her den where it is growing. Holly enjoys eating it on her way across the mound, in the enclosure, and along the sides where there is new growth. Lucky spends some of his time in each of the enclosures eating the new tender clover and “cleaning” them out.  It’s fun for the guests to watch the bears eat it as I explained the nutritional value.

White clover (Trifolium repens): nutritional facts 12 to 23% rich protein with calcium, phosphorus & magnesium and soluble carbs. It has 70 to 80% digestible nutrients. Source: Feediapedia/ white clover.[/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”36926″ img_size=”large” add_caption=”yes” alignment=”center” onclick=”link_image”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”36927″ img_size=”large” add_caption=”yes” alignment=”center” onclick=”link_image”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_column_text]Tasha has been so relaxed and resting more and more near the den. She has added some roots she tore from the ground to her den. She rests also on top of the mound that makes the top of her den.

I was curious this spring and summer as the work on the fence and dens came to a conclusion to see if the bears would like the new dens enough to stay in them. Time will tell.

Holly pictures courtesy of volunteer Sheryl.

Our Amazon Wishlist is still available on Amazon for your shopping pleasure.

Thank you for all you do,
Sr. Bear Keeper, Sharon Herrell[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

2023 List of Updates

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]