After 149 days, the resident Grizzly bears at Grouse Mountain, Grinder and Coola, emerged from hibernation yesterday at The Peak of Vancouver.
The awakening concludes the bears’ 23rd hibernation period at the Grouse Mountain Refuge for Endangered Wildlife. “We’re so excited to welcome them out of hibernation and watch them explore their habitat and stretch their legs,” said Grouse Mountain.
After exiting the den, the first order of business was to find every single leaf of lettuce the Grouse Mountain spread around for them.
“As the bears have aged, we’ve seen their play and wrestling slow down but both still have a playful spirit at heart,” Grouse Mountain said. “Grinder was seen playing with sticks and downed branches, and both bears enjoyed digging in the snow. They will inevitably build a few small snow caves in the remaining snow in their habitat.”
Regarded as two of Grouse Mountain’s most popular residents, Grinder and Coola originally came to the Refuge for Endangered Wildlife in 2001. They were rescued after being orphaned during separate incidents in Bella Coola and Invemere.
Grouse Mountain is inviting people to visit the bears. The bear habitat can be visited anytime throughout the day and wildlife rangers and volunteers will be on hand to answer questions.
