Holly digs a den, Lucky is ravenous, and sweet Tasha.
Bear Weights:
Lucky 484 lbs. • Holly 312 lbs. • Tasha 356 lbs.
Bear News – September 2, 2023
On Monday afternoon around 4:00 pm the weather in Ely changed from cool and breezy to heavy rain, lightning and thunder. I mention this so that my readers understand Holly’s quest for digging her own den was denied.
During the past couple of weeks Holly has been disappearing for hours. As the first week of her absence came to an end, the interns, Natasha and I went to investigate. We found an area of concern where she had been digging but it wasn’t very deep.
As the next week progressed so did the hole. It widened and deepened. She broke maple branches and a few were stuffed near the entrance. As Brandon worked to clean-up the service area, Holly watched him. If he came towards the fence to see what she was doing, her eyes would narrow and watch him closely. Brandon and Holly get along very well, I should add.
On Monday afternoon the skies opened and it stormed with heavy rain pelting the ground. The dug den collapsed. The interns and Natasha quickly filled the area with heavy rocks. It is with high hopes that we see Holly take one of the beautiful dens made for the bears to choose from.
Both females are out of estrus so Lucky is back to eating. It’s been a tough summer for him. The females being in estrus in July took all of us by surprise but it was to Lucky’s delight; he was more than ready to be with Holly.
Lucky has been working in his den also. A few sticks added to Den 2 & 3. I have not given them any type of bedding. This year we’re going to try just leaves and ground debris. We will see how they incorporate it into whatever den they choose.
Tasha bear seems comfortable in Den 1. She often retreats inside when Holly passes by. I asked the interns to put her sitting tub in that den so she could have a proper relaxing tub. She plays in her water tub each day.
Our Fall hours will begin Monday, September 4th, we will be open from 10:00am to 4:00pm. I’ll keep feeding times the same. Feeding will be in the viewing area as much as possible.
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Thank you for all you do,
Sr, Bear Keeper, Sharon Herrell
