Social Hierarchies
Bear Weights:
Lucky 477 lbs. • Holly 271 lbs. • Tasha 323 lbs.
Bear News – August 5, 2023
In the past few weeks the question has been raised, Is Tasha trying to take over the matriarchal status that belongs to Holly?
Although it seems possible, according to Dr. Rogers in an update on August 18, 2016, “Territorial females and male rivals can integrate into relatively peaceful hierarchies where food is consistently abundant.” Also talking to Dr. Rogers today he seemed doubtful that Tasha could take over the matriarchal position.
Tasha and Holly share the 2.5 acres at the bear center. Holly is matriarch and Tasha tests her boundaries. They mark over each other continually. Tree rubbing, walking while urinating, passing over small trees and shrubs throwing scent to the air and stomp walking is a constant routine here.
On any given day our visitors can see the females marking in areas the other female has been. Tasha is brave and will chase Holly until Holly turns to face her, at that point Tasha goes in a different direction.
Lucky for the second week has found sitting in Tasha’s little tub to be to his liking. Does he fit? No, he doesn’t but that doesn’t seem to faze him. To watch him rotate his bottom without getting up is very comical but he does it. Lucky was getting a great deal of attention and was enjoying it.
Holly watched as Lucky sat in the tub but she was more interested in the new fall interns. Different smells and new voices. She really seemed okay with them. I took this piece from our website under Basic Bear Facts: Senses and Abilities. “Their smelling ability is extremely good. The limits are untested. Their nasal mucosa area is about 100 times larger than in humans.” Also bears and other mammals have a vomeronasal organ. This organ is located in the roof of their mouth and is composed of sensitive nerve endings that help a bear detect airborne scents. It is also referred to as the Jacobson’s organ.
Each season the bears are introduced to all the new interns, I usually like to introduce them individually but at times I introduce two; this allows the bear to get to know their voice and smell.
When Holly was out and about, she walked into the open den #1 and began eating clover.
As I write this through the week the bears are always active and we/I catch them doing silly antics. All bears play, it’s part of their learning process. Our sweet Tasha sat patiently waiting for her turn to get treats. The treats were given out too slowly so she got in her tub and started rocking. All eyes turned to Tasha, she started playing with her paws, then her toes. She got enough treats but she was just as happy in her tub.
It seems like we just opened and now we are in the month of August. Hyperphagia is coming in the next couple weeks. Our Holly bear began eating more aggressively in mid-July, which is normal for her.
Thank you for your continued support by purchasing bear foods through our Amazon Wishlist. We are currently in need of dried apricots and pineapples for our bears.
Thank you for all you do,
Sr. Bear Keeper, Sharon Herrell
