Bear News – September 4, 2026

Bear News September 4, The countdown, bear weights and a nice surprise.

The bear weights this week are right on target. The weights are a bit lower than last year at this time but the calories and nutrition plan are right on for their target weights for hibernation.

Weights: Lucky 440, Holly 297, Tasha 331

The staff started a countdown to when our cubs arrive from Alaska. They will be here before we know it. As you watch the countdown on the wooden bear in their enclosure you can rest assured that we are beyond excited to get these little chubby cubs in our care.

At this writing we have approximately 12 days before they arrive. The mystery of their names continue and we will be disclosing them very soon. The excitement is tremendous. One will be identifiable by th white spot on his chest and the other brother seems to have the more dominant personality.

As I mentioned in my opening, there was a nice surprise waiting for me when I returned

from my awesome vacation.

Our hard working staff created a nice play area for the cubs. They cut trees, filled in spaces and provided a climbing area for them.

Our low impact team came and secured the transfer crate to the fence and provided a new fast winding lever to release the gate quickly while the cubs are detained at the other end. This will allow staff to go in and out and clean the area while the cubs are fed and secure.

Mauro put an electric fence around the den to insure that the adult bears can’t get close enough to hurt them. Yes, they will be curious and I have a plan in place to introduce them but for now safety first. He also put an electric fence up at 5 feet so the cubs don’t climb out. This is all with proper protocol for cubs.

Our ambassadors have now gotten used to going around the den. Time will tell how close they will want to be when the two cubs arrive. Bears are by nature very curious so I would expect them to be inquisitive.

Holly has been keeping the staff busy as she comes in daily with dirt on her nose or coat. As yet, she  hasn’t selected a particular spot and the dens are still available for choices.  A well known fact is that she usually waits for Tasha to select, arrange and get comfortable and then moves in and takes over.

Tasha always looks so innocent and sweet and her latest picture confirms that she is basically one of the sweetest bears ever. Resting in her tub but keeping her enrichment close.

Lucky bear uses his charm to see if perhaps trail mix would float from the deck to his space beneath to enjoy. This has been deemed by summer interns and volunteers as sky droppings.

I want to thank everyone for checking out our needs on our wishlist. We keep everything stored for the bear’s continued use.https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ Please check it out.

Also, keep watching our FB page for daily updates on the cubs and other fun things coming before their arrival.

Thank-you for all you do,

Sharon Herrell, Sr. Bear Keeper