We’ve been showing how the cubs have gradually become more and more lethargic and sleepy. Their metabolism has been slowing down and getting them ready for the long winter’s nap. They are still foraging and eating, but without the urgency we saw a couple of months ago. Bud Bear, in Hartley House, is eating his soft diet (the vets said he must stick to soft foods for a few days after his tooth extractions) and hasn’t been complaining too much.
The brothers spent most of their day in their daybed. Snuggling is a good way to keep warm. Note the uneaten apple, which shows us that eating is less important right now than sleeping.In Wild Enclosure #3, the cubs slept in a daybed and did some foraging there, too. One cub (our guess is that it’s Lemon Drop) is still up in the tree. This is interesting – India Bear discovers ice in the Cubby Pool. Ice is something new to the cubs. She’s not sure why the water has become hard!Bud has folded his bed in half. Maybe it is more comfortable that way.He eats his soft foods and takes his meds like a good bear.Cades Cove is not far from ABR. Here is a healthy bear family in the cove.An ABR Thanksgiving greeting, featuring very chonky Porter Bear.
Earlier in the year, we had many photos of cubs playing, foraging, and fighting. It is obvious that there have been major changes in their behavior now that winter is near.
