All four cubs have been released into the wild enclosure to further their “wild bear training.” This is the last step in their rehabilitation at ABR, and they will be here until they are finally released into the wild. In the wild enclosure, there is no contact with curators at all. Food for the cubs is thrown over the fence to scatter in the grass and underbrush, so the cubs have to forage for it, as they will do when they are back in the wild. The natural habitat has trees to climb, places to explore, water to drink and play in, and culvert dens that are covered with bark and natural elements to make them inviting. Here are a few photos of the cubs as they first came out of the acclimation pen and ventured into their new space. Tomorrow we will post photos of the cubs as they started to test their tree-climbing skills.
One cub peeks out.
They were cautious at first – this was a new experience for them.
Coming out a bit more.
A little bit further…
All the way out!
Two cubs are out, checking for tasty morsels.
Three cubs out of the pen!
At first, they stayed very close to the familiar acclimation pen. They found some snacks on the ground.
Maybe I should go back inside?
This cub seems to be wondering if it would be better to go back in. The curator left the door open so the cubs could go in and out as they wished.