People often ask what it’s like to put our bears to “bed” each winter for hibernation. We never force them into going to bed earlier than they want; we always let them tell us when they are ready. At the beginning of November, their bodies typically start slowing down as the days get shorter. Their food consumption begins to abate and they spend a lot more time napping. By the second or third week of November, they start asking for their bedding, a lovely combination of hay and raked leaves.
You might wonder how a bear “asks” for something. A fine example would be this past weekend when Ramble and Bramble were given organic carrots with the tops still on them. Ramble decided to eat the carrot (not a morsel of orange was left behind), but he didn’t touch the leafy green carrot tops. He then waited patiently while Animal Caretaker Celeste finished cleaning Bramble’s enclosure across the aisle. Once Ramble was satisfied that her attention was fully on him, he started slowly backing up towards his den box, dragging the carrot tops across the floor with his front paws while maintaining full eye contact with Celeste. He paused at the opening of his den and looked at her as if asking her to bring him bedding.
Needless to say, we heard his plea and gave the brother bears their bedding yesterday. Here’s to a long, cozy winter’s nap in their new hibernation dens.
