The 75 degree temperatures from the last few days here in Shenandoah coupled with some very early season plant material for the Bears to eat brought a mama and three yearlings out of their den this week! I spent a considerable amount of time with this family last year and it was so great to see that the entire family of four had made it through the winter alive and healthy. Mama had lost a lot of weight as all adult Bears do in their winter dens. The youngin's on the flip side always go through a growth spurt when they turn one. Although they also, of course, lost weight in the den they are now lankier and slimmer than they were when I last saw them three months ago.
I look forward to many more adventures with my Bear Friends this year but this was a great first one....
I look forward to many more adventures with my Bear Friends this year but this was a great first one....