Our first BIG release of 2012 is tentatively scheduled for this week. Cross your fingers that the weather is good and we can get some bears back in the wild where they can thrive.

.

The largest bears (the ones you’ve seen in the YouTube videos) will be released first.  The  wildlife officers make the decision as to which bears will go.  They must weigh at least 50 pounds but, thanks to Lisa’s good nutrition and your help in providing all the fruit, yogurt, nuts, etc., most of the larger bears will no doubt weigh upwards of 70 to 100 pounds each!

.

This is a release good time, because spring is definitely here, and there is natural food in the forest.

.

ABR supporters are often concerned about whether the bears will be alone in their new homes.  The answer to this question is that they are usually released in groups of 2 or more.  Whether they stay together after release is questionable.  Even though they have lived in a “family group” at ABR, bears are naturally inclined to a solitary lifestyle.  So it is quite likely that they will go their separate ways once they are in their new, wild home.

.

It is possible, however, that one or more pairs (probably females) will stay together.  Since the released bears are not collared or tracked we will never know for sure — all we can be sure of is that they are getting the best possible start, especially considering their difficulties as tiny cubs.

.