We have big news today.  The cubs are almost ready for their next big step in their life at Appalachian Bear Rescue – the move into the Wild Enclosure!  This will be their last environment at ABR before they are released back into the wild later in the year.  They are ready to practice the skills they will need as wild bears.  The curators must give up the control they have had ever since the cubs were rescued and brought to us, but of course that is the goal – to give up human control and give the cubs control over their own activities and lives.  It still is a bit nerve-wracking for the curators, because now the cubs can climb as high as they want in the trees and can hide in the underbrush for as long as they want, remaining totally out of sight.  To get ready, Curator Janet has greatly increased the amount of solid foods (mainly fruits) in their diet, and at the same time decreased the yogurt and applesauce even further.  The cubs (especially Marvin) may miss those favorites when they are out in the Wild Enclosure, but there are so many new and wonderful things for them to discover that they will adjust quickly.  Here is a photo of the three cubs enjoying one of their last meals in the pen.

A last meal in the acclimation pen.

This shows their combination of healthy foods with very little of the soft foods.  They are getting used to the new diet.

Looks pretty tasty.

A shot of one cub looking out at the Wild Enclosure.  We wonder what the cub is thinking – maybe that he/she wants to be out there, climbing trees!  That chance will come very soon.

A peek outside – looks like a cub paradise!