. . . so of course that meant that the cubs would climb trees! It may seem counter-intuitive to us humans, but that is where bears, especially young bears feel safest. When they are up high, in rain or shine, but particularly when the weather is blustery and rainy, they seem to be most comfortable.
There was a traffic jam on The Tire Bridge, as cubs crossed to climb the tree.Firefly and Chickadee took time to eat a few muscadine grapes.The cubs headed up to the treetops.Three cubs in Wild Enclosure #1 contemplate the tree they wish to climb.Aralia sits on the platform, looking forlorn (to us) and wet.Aralia decides to climb, but Harlan is in the way.Aralia scooted up the tree as Harlan watched.He looks out to see if any other cubs are still down on the ground or platform.There they are – all “safe and sound” up in the wet trees!The same scenario plays out in Wild Enclosure #2.In Wild Enclosure #3, the Rainbow Triplets enjoy the peanuts and acorns in their Acclimation Pen.The gate is open to Acclimation Pen #4, inviting the yearlings to enter and eat.Look at the bounty of nuts in Acclimation Pen #4! But no takers so far.The three yearlings are staying outside, at least for now.
The Passive Capture protocol that the curators use to capture the bears for release, involves getting them accustomed to entering and exiting the Acclimation Pens as they wish. When it’s time for them to be captured, the gate will be closed, confining them and making it easy for the wildlife officers to safely immobilize the bears so they can be worked up for their departure and release. It is a carefully designed program that minimizes any potential problems. Watch this space – it will happen within the next few weeks.
