Bears News – September 21st 2026

September 21st Bear News! This week includes welcoming Koda and Jasper, bear weights and information on the Alaskan brothers.

Currently Lucky weighs 454, Holly 315 and Tasha 337. The cubs weigh approx. 80 pounds.

The newest member of our ambassador bears arrived late Wednesday on September 16th. They are 8-9 months old. The trip was long for them, so when they arrived at their forever home we chose to let them explore and acclimate to their new environment. The cubs were sent to the Alaska Zoo where they were housed until ready to be shipped to us. While at the Alaska Zoo, they were on display and are well adapted to public viewing. The cubs were neutered and had health and fecal checks prior to coming to us.

We thank the Alaska Zoo and staff for caring for the cubs and making them ready for travel to Ely, MN. We want to thank the Alaska Fish and Game and the Alaska Zoo for their continued support and care of all cubs that are orphaned. It may be nice for you to know they also take in grizzly cubs. After their initial arrival, the cubs did some nervous behavior but then settled down. On this day (day 3) they are doing well.

The introduction to the adult bears began late Thursday morning. Tasha was the first. She made her way to the viewing area by not going past the cubs but through the forest paths. She was weighed and basically ignored the cubs. Koda reacted by perching as high as he could and chuffing. Jasper watched behind his brother but did a lot of vocalizing and running around the enclosure.

On day 2, Tasha approached, stomp-marking and stood up to look at them. The cubs were more nervous and climbed high to see her and they were vocalizing. They settled down after she disappeared back to the personal enclosures.

Holly’s initial reaction was to look and run to the back of the enclosure where we are pretty sure she was digging a den. This would make sense as she has to protect that area. Again the cubs reacted by chuffing and remaining near the highest point in their den which is the tree.

Today, Holly went directly to the back of the enclosure and passed up her breakfast. She is now spending comfort time in Den 3.

Lucky also took the longer route on Thursday to get to the viewing area. He passed the natural path and walked through the forest. After eating his spread he walked the natural path which passes the cubs within 20 feet. They watched and chuffed, some clacking too. He reached the fence line where I went to greet him and talk a little re-assurance. Not that he understood, but he did receive a milk bone biscuit and a few “good bear”. He then went back to den 2 where he feels comfortable. We always want all our bears to feel safe. A big part of bear care is knowing their personalities. Their individual reactions to new things, and to know their insecurities. Lucky is not as strong as one might think just because he’s a big bear. Sometimes he relies on Holly for that confidence. He is showing interest from afar but he is curious.

As for the staff, we remain excited and are enjoying each new behavior we see. We are also keyed in on the cubs response to going into the holding station (crate). They are learning their names and coming to the fence to eat.

I want to thank everyone once again. Our needs have now tripled and your response to our needs will help us. Please visit our Amazon wishlist. Our current needs are for pumpkin seeds, cranberries, blueberries, pecan pieces. https://bear.org/support-us/amazon-wishlist-2/

Thank-you for all you do,

Sharon Herrell, Sr. Bear Keeper