With the release of the yearlings, ABR is now caring for eight COYs (Cubs of the Year) that are 5 months old. The two Fourth of July arrivals, Martha Washington and Betsy Ross, were showing signs of stress in the Recovery Center. As a result, the curators had to change their plans. They had hoped to introduce the sisters to Doodlebug and Tater in Hartley House and then release the four into a Wild Enclosure, but instead they had to let them out right away, so they joined the four boys in Wild Enclosure #3.
The girls are nervous and for the most part they stay hidden in the underbrush.
In the woods is a good place for black bears who want to stay hidden.
The sisters are much happier now that they are outside again!
They come out of hiding to get a drink, always staying on alert.
Although they are skittish and bolt at the slightest noise or disturbance, they are eating well.
They are staying very close together, and avoiding the four boy cubs.
The boys don’t seem to be bothered by the presence of the sisters. They go on about their business and are eating well, too.
Meanwhile, Doodlebug and Tater are progressing nicely and will soon be ready to go into a Wild Enclosure of their own.
To be ready, the curators are working in Wild Enclosures #1, 2, and 4, making repairs to damage caused by the most recent residents.
The Cubby Pools have to be power washed.
Curator Tom is clearing the tall grass by the fence, to make a path for the new cub residents.
Watch this space to see what happens when the rest of the cubs are outside! It will be interesting!