As these 2 photos show, the new cubs are seeking safety in the trees.  This is typical behavior, as mother bears teach their cubs to climb a tree to escape danger.  This brother and sister seem to have learned that lesson well, and are using trees to get used to their new digs.

Interestingly enough, our curator says that the 9 cubs who have been in this large enclosure for a couple of months are actually afraid of these new cubs even though the new arrivals are smaller.  Just another example of the fearful nature of black bears.  They aren’t the vicious predators often shown in the media, but are basically shy and fearful. 

In one picture you can see the blind-covered fencing that surrounds the enclosure and prevents the cubs from seeing where their food comes from when it is thrown over the fence.