A stranger visits the den

November 30, 2003

Both bears were anaesthetized this month for their pre-hibernation physical examination by veterinarian Dr. Ken Macquisten. They were found to be in excellent health. Coola weighed in at an incredible 273 kg (600 lbs) and Grinder at 213 kg (468 lbs).

Coola has been very busy pulling in large branches of Silver Fir(grizzly bear's favourite winter bedding material). The hibernation den is now lined with these tree boughs and smells fantastic.

A technical team entered the bears' den to perform a pre-hibernation check on the infrared camera. After the 'stranger's' visit, Grinder pulled most of the bedding out the den and it was left outside the door to 'air out' for two days. When it was no longer scented with unfamiliar people, Coola pulled it all back in again.