Tasha
Bear News – October 1, 2022
click image for full un-cropped version
Tasha bear came from the rural mountains of Kentucky about 30 miles from the Tennessee border. She was found by a man and taken to his home, a 50-acre farm. She weighed just over 8 pounds. He raised her with a bottle and other foods including oranges. She played with his dog and learned begging behaviors. She passed this begging behavior on to Ted.
The Kentucky Fish and Wildlife removed her from him on June 5, 2016, as he did not have the authorization to have a bear. She would have been euthanized if they did not find a proper home for her. Volunteers Bill and Bitsy Sloan and their friend Randy stepped up and made the 900-mile drive to Kentucky and brought her to the North American Bear Center on June 6, 2021, which is now her forever home. Read more about Tasha on “Meet Our Bears”.
Tasha made friends with Holly but Lucky bluff charged her right away and has never liked her. It’s interesting because one would think he would accept her with two females vying for his attention, yet he rejects her. She likes Lucky but Lucky has never wanted to play, mate or allow Tasha near him.
Tasha is now 7 years old and has a distinct personality. She is innocent by nature and loves to play with Holly. Her favorite time of the year is spring when Holly will play, and after estrus when again Holly will play.
She will dig her own den if she has the opportunity but recently has been using the rock den.
Tasha’s favorite foods are fruits, nuts and different types of berries. Choke cherries picked individually or still on the branch are one of her favorites too. She isn’t a picky eater.
She also likes to play tug-of-war with the interns. It takes three interns to hold their own with Tasha. She can quickly pull them towards the fence and make them drop their end, allowing her to have the tug rope.
I hope you enjoy the pictures I’ve chosen to share with you.
Next week we will be closed on Tuesday & Wednesday (October 4 & 5) as a tree service will be in to remove several dead and diseased trees. The spruce beetle (Dendroctonus rufipennis) has caused mass destruction of our many trees in the enclosure. They must be removed and new trees planted to replace dead or damaged trees. Once all of the work has been completed, we will be able to allow the bears out into the big enclosure. We will watch and see where Tasha and Holly choose to den for the winter.
Coming soon, Pumpkin Carving for Ted and please remember to check our Wishlist on Amazon.
Thank you for all you do,
Sr. Bear Keeper, Sharon Herrell
