It has been very warm in Ely. I have not given straw to Ted yet due to the weather. Lucky has received leaves and some cedar and balsam fir branches so the guests at the NABC can see how bears incorporate ground matter to make their dens. It also teaches guests about fall transition.
Fall transition is the period after hyperphagia when metabolic processes change in preparation for hibernation. Bears voluntarily eat less but continue to drink water to purge body waste. They become increasingly lethargic resting 22 hours a day. Heart rates go from 80 to 100 beats per minute to 40 to 50 beats per minute for an active bear. If you want to read more about the 5 Stages of Activity and Hibernation, click on this link on bear.org.
Thank you to all for questions asked about our bears such as straw delivery and feeding schedule. We have to move with the bears and they direct our routes at the NABC.
Also, thank you to all who have sent dry fruits and nuts, what we do not use this season will be kept for next season, it will not go to waste.
Thank you on behalf of Ted, Lucky, Holly and Tasha
Sr. Bear Keeper, Sharon Herrell