After a long 144 days of hibernation, grizzly bears Grinder and Coola have emerged from their slumber at Grouse Mountain B次元官网网址� this time without a crowd.

Marking their 19th hibernation at the North Vancouver resort, the furry duo B次元官网网址渨ere happy to frolic in the remaining snow and bathe in a small icy pondB次元官网网址� after digging their way out of their den on Tuesday, Grouse Mountain said in statement.

They were also given a welcomed snack of lettuce, carrots and sweet potatoes B次元官网网址� all foods that replicate some of the food types grizzlies would normally find this time of year in the wild.

B次元官网网址淎 bit of wresting and food gathering seemed to wear them out quickly as, after an hour or so, back they went to their den for a nap,B次元官网网址� Grouse Mountain said.

In recent weeks, resort staff had been busy digging out the shelter where the pair hibernate, also known as the B次元官网网址渂ear hotel,B次元官网网址� according to Dr. Ken Macquisten, director of Grouse MountainB次元官网网址檚 Wildlife Refuge.

The two grizzly bears were brought to the North Vancouver resort in 2001 after being rescued separately from Bella Coola and Invermere.

Since then, theyB次元官网网址檝e formed an unlikely friendship.

B次元官网网址淎t 19 years of age, Grinder and Coola are in their prime. They remain best friends, and are never far from each other, which would be unusual for two male Grizzlies in the wild,B次元官网网址� Grouse Mountain said. B次元官网网址淵ou certainly have to get along to hibernate together for 5 straight months, and these bears have done it effortlessly every year since they were cubs.B次元官网网址�

Now, Grinder and Coola will spend time exploring the habitatB次元官网网址檚 5.5 acres, searching for natural food and grazing. By summer, theyB次元官网网址檒l have access to berries and other fruits, fish and meat.

Grouse Mountain remains closed due to the ongoing pandemic, making access to the resort prohibited indefinitely. But those interested in checking in on the two big bears can connect virtually through .

B次元官网网址淚n the meantime, Grinder and Coola will be patiently waiting until we can safely welcome you back to the Mountain.B次元官网网址�

ashley.wadhwani@bpdigital.ca
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