Bears bedding down

It is now the beginning of February. Our favourite rodent, Wiarton Willie will be making his predictions about spring. We shall all be hoping for the best – six more weeks of winter’s wrath.

I know of ten beautiful fat black fluffy boys and girls who could care less what Willie predicts as they will continue to slumber through the snow, sleet , ice and rain until they are good and ready to wake up to spring.

Last November hibernation boxes were introduced to the bears in their enclosure back in the woods at Aspen Valley. Then straw was brought in to the enclosure. The cubs were being fed on a healthy diet of fruits, vegetables and kibble to be sure that they were bulked up for winter.  By the end of November, the cubs began the process of determining who was going to settle down with whom and where for their winter nap. They then  spent a great deal of time checking out the hibernation boxes by going in and out and generally hanging about to see what it was all about. They would then push straw into the boxes and then take it out or they would pile straw near the front of the boxes and practice pulling the straw inside. It’s a lot of work to set up house for the winter and a little cub has to be absolutely certain that the home is warm and cozy and that house guests are appropriate.

By early December, the cubs had begun to spend nights in the hibernation boxes and by the middle of the month they were spending most of the day and the nights curled up inside. For some reason unknown to anyone but the cubs, there is always one or two that just cannot settle down. Just like a little kid that doesn’t want to go to bed, it is not unusual to find a cub sitting on top of the box or hanging around the trees long after everyone else has gone to bed. By the time the snow starts to come down and the temperature has dropped to a steady low, even the bravest and most stubborn cubs have decided that a snug hibernation box is the place to be. Then all that can be seen is a big wooden box all covered in snow with straw pulled up and piled at the front, literally “closing the door”.

During the winter it is common for the cubs to wake up and have a stretch. Sometimes they will even leave the boxes for a bit of a walk about and change their sleeping partners. Maybe all the snorers get together or maybe the one that’s all elbows and knees gets turfed out of a crowded box and then finds refuge in a less congested home. In the end they all get cozy again and spend the rest of the winter cuddled up in a big black fluffy ball.

In a few weeks regardless of Willie’s prediction, the sun will melt the snow and warm the ground. The cubs will sniff the air and decide the time to venture from their boxes. When they do we shall be ready with a breakfast of some sweet greens and fresh fruit for the hungry yearlings.

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