If you’ve been keeping track of the many releases during the past week, you probably realize that there is one more cub who hasn’t been mentioned. It’s Hops Bear, who was the very first cub to be admitted in 2021. He was a favorite of many ABR supporters, because of his quirky little habits. Let’s take a look back.
He arrived on April 12, when he was just over two months old. A hiker in Big South Fork saw him at the base of a tree and reported him to wildlife officers.A wee little bear, weighing just 2.64 pounds!In the Cub Nursery, it didn’t take long for Hops to demand attention, service, and food!It wasn’t long before Hops had a friend, when Barley Bear was admitted to ABR.Soon, Bourbon joined them and all three went into the Hartley House.They started to grow and to make mischief.They enjoyed some fisticuffs with each other.After their time in Hartley House ended, the Acclimation Pen was next.Hops rested in the hammock in the Acclimation Pen.The next step was out into Wild Enclosure #3. Hops was growing.Hops had a trick to avoid immersion in the Cubby Pool. That foot always stayed on the log as an anchor.But the little bear was not immune to the law of gravity!Oops! in he goes!He struggled to get back up.None the worse for his dunking – just a wet nubbin.No more pool for Hops!Unless, of course, one of the others pushed him in!He decided he liked the Drinking Tub better!Hops was growing.Hops and Barley were getting bigger!Hops became adept at fishing for food without getting wet.He helped with the murdalization of saplings.Fur loss was due to stress from Bourbon’s aggression. After Bourbon moved to Wild Enclosure #4, Hops regrew his fur.He was comfortable and friendly to other cubs.Getting bigger.He had turned into a chubby cubby, and didn’t fit in the tire any more!A group project – the three cubs removed the safety log from the pool.Handsome Hops – it’s time to go home.
We had so much to recall about Hops and his stay at ABR that we will save the workup and release photos for the next time. Be sure you stay tuned for the rest of the story!
