As we have explained previously, our curators provide healthy, nourishing food choices for the cubs by throwing foods over the fencing so it scatters and the little bears must forage.  The curators use different points along the fencing for their “food delivery,” so it isn’t always in the same place.  To the extent possible, the foods are items that are natural, that is, would be found in the wild. Foraging is a vital skill that the cubs must learn and practice so they are prepared to find their own food when released.  In order to cut human interaction to an absolute minimum, the curators generally feed them only once a day, providing enough to last until the next day.  Here are some photos of the cubs foraging for the tasty foods that are helping them to grow stronger every day.

Grapes are a favorite food. The cubs will find wild grapes when released.

Peek over this cub’s shoulder and see other treats, including blueberries and peanuts

Although peanuts are not found in the wild, we use them because the shells are easy for young cubs to crack, unlike some of the wild nuts.  Even acorns have harder shells, but the cubs will be able to handle them by fall.

Cubs spend a lot of time foraging.

These two cubs are busy eating.

One cub moves off after eating her fill for now.

It’s Cee Cee, who leaves the food to go to the favorite napping tree. Eat and sleep – what a life!