First, we must apologize for the long delay since our last post. Computer issues caused the interruption. Hopefully the glitch has been resolved and we’ll get back on schedule.

Today we have a delightful video that actually tells two stories of bears and dens. The curators provide hollow logs for den-like structures for the cubs and yearlings. Some of these dens are on the ground, like a hollow log might be in the forest, and others are vertical, to mimic the type of den up in a tree that is often used by bears in the Smoky Mountains.

The first part of the video shows the three yearlings – Sweetie, Daffodil, and Iris Bear playing and investigating a den in their enclosure. The second part focuses on Dandelion and Boudreaux and a vertical den in their Wild Enclosure.

And, if you remember how Yogi Bear would rub against a tree as if scratching his back – watch as Boudreaux shows us that this really IS something bears do! Just click here to be entertained (and educated) about bears, dens, and itches!