We have several photos of different yearling bears today.  Most of them were eating pears, peanuts, or other bear favorites when their pictures were taken.  We have mentioned before that the only time the curators go down to the pens is at feeding time, and that is when they take the photos.  We have also mentioned that because these little orphaned bears were so hungry for so long they are now in hyperphagia, the feeding frenzy that usually takes place in the fall and ends when winter arrives.  The curators report that all of the yearlings love pears.  All except for Skipper, who can’t have pears as yet because of his restricted and highly controlled diet.

Here is a bear with a pear. We aren’t sure which yearling this is.

This yearling bear is guarding a pear. “It’s mine!”

Another bear with a pear.

Here is a yearling who has eaten some of its pear.

These bears were identified.

Gamble and Derby Bear are foraging.

Here are three of the yearlings in Wild Enclosure #2.

Gamble, Tedford and Acorn forage together.

Still eating – Gamble, Tedford and Acorn.

Herbie is another one of the yearlings in Wild Enclosure #2.

Herbie studies the peanuts in front of him. Bet he starts to eat soon!

Shelby Bear is in Wild Enclosure #1.

Shelby Bear climbs a tree in her enclosure. She is a fluffy bear.

Milo Bear, in Wild Enclosure 3, is seen on a tree.  We can still see his bare tummy from the time his stomach was pumped at UT, and the bare leg where the IV was used.

Milo comes down the tree – it’s time to eat!

Milo forages on the ground.

Another yearling, this one in Wild Enclosure #4.

Cedar Bear strikes a pose in a patch of sunlight.

Cedar Bear turns to show his profile. He is becoming a handsome bear.

Back in the Cub Nursery, Skipper Bear is doing what he needs to do – sleeping and eating.

Skipper Bear sleeps. This is a very important part of his recovery.

Another important part of his recovery is eating, but it still must be small, measured amounts.  He is showing that he would like more.  Soon his food will be increased.

Skipper Bear studies his empty bowl. “More, please!”

We are very happy that little Skipper Bear is making good progress.  He was so malnourished and depleted when he arrived that there were real concerns about his survival.  It looks like his will to live, coupled with the good care by the curators  and advice from the UT vets are making a big difference for this little bear.