After a long 144 days of hibernation, grizzly bears Grinder and Coola have emerged from their slumber at Grouse Mountain 乌鸦传媒� this time without a crowd.
Marking their 19th hibernation at the North Vancouver resort, the furry duo 乌鸦传媒渨ere happy to frolic in the remaining snow and bathe in a small icy pond乌鸦传媒� after digging their way out of their den on Tuesday, Grouse Mountain said in statement.
They were also given a welcomed snack of lettuce, carrots and sweet potatoes 乌鸦传媒� all foods that replicate some of the food types grizzlies would normally find this time of year in the wild.
乌鸦传媒淎 bit of wresting and food gathering seemed to wear them out quickly as, after an hour or so, back they went to their den for a nap,乌鸦传媒� Grouse Mountain said.
In recent weeks, resort staff had been busy digging out the shelter where the pair hibernate, also known as the 乌鸦传媒渂ear hotel,乌鸦传媒� according to Dr. Ken Macquisten, director of Grouse Mountain乌鸦传媒檚 Wildlife Refuge.
The two grizzly bears were brought to the North Vancouver resort in 2001 after being rescued separately from Bella Coola and Invermere.
Since then, they乌鸦传媒檝e formed an unlikely friendship.
乌鸦传媒淎t 19 years of age, Grinder and Coola are in their prime. They remain best friends, and are never far from each other, which would be unusual for two male Grizzlies in the wild,乌鸦传媒� Grouse Mountain said. 乌鸦传媒淵ou certainly have to get along to hibernate together for 5 straight months, and these bears have done it effortlessly every year since they were cubs.乌鸦传媒�
Now, Grinder and Coola will spend time exploring the habitat乌鸦传媒檚 5.5 acres, searching for natural food and grazing. By summer, they乌鸦传媒檒l have access to berries and other fruits, fish and meat.
Grouse Mountain remains closed due to the ongoing pandemic, making access to the resort prohibited indefinitely. But those interested in checking in on the two big bears can connect virtually through .
乌鸦传媒淚n the meantime, Grinder and Coola will be patiently waiting until we can safely welcome you back to the Mountain.乌鸦传媒�
ashley.wadhwani@bpdigital.ca
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