Grouse Mountain grizzlies wake up from winter slumber
Peak of Vancouver announces the Summer of Bear Discovery
April 16, 2014
(North Vancouver) With our beautiful spring conditions and summer just around the corner, Grouse Mountain is pleased to announce that resident grizzly bears Grinder and Coola have emerged from their restful winter hibernation at the Peak of Vancouver.
During the course of their 139-day hibernation period, Grouse Mountain Refuge for Endangered Wildlife staff once again monitored Grinder and Coola's hibernation via an infrared camera placed in their hibernation den and the live feed was shared with the public on the Grouse Mountain website.
"We continue to be amazed that at 13 years old and weighing approximately 450 kg (or 992 lbs) each, two male grizzlies choose to share their den together and can sleep so long without seeking nourishment", said Dr. Ken Macquisten, refuge director and veterinarian. "As they emerge from their hibernation period at the Peak of Vancouver, we are very pleased to once again invite our guests to visit Grinder and Coola at the Grouse Mountain Refuge For Endangered Wildlife."
A familiar presence at the Peak of Vancouver, grizzly bears Grinder and Coola were welcomed into their habitat at Grouse Mountain’s Refuge For Endangered Wildlife in 2001 after being orphaned during separate incidents in Bella Coola and Invermere. Now concluding their 13th hibernation as Grouse Mountain ambassadors for their species, both grizzlies checked into their ‘Bear Hotel’ for their annual winter nap this past November 20th.
As the grizzlies stir from their slumber, the Summer of Bear Discovery is poised to officially launch at Grouse Mountain on the May long weekend with a wide variety of one-of-a-kind bear-themed activities suitable for the whole family. Featuring ranger talks and interpretive information at the Grizzly Lookout, bear-themed movies in the Theatre in the Sky, and an opportunity to meet Grouse Mountain’s very own bear mascot, visitors will be able to make their visit extra special during a unique and memorable ‘Breakfast with the Bears’ on scheduled dates June through September.
During the course of their 139-day hibernation period, Grouse Mountain Refuge for Endangered Wildlife staff once again monitored Grinder and Coola's hibernation via an infrared camera placed in their hibernation den and the live feed was shared with the public on the Grouse Mountain website.
"We continue to be amazed that at 13 years old and weighing approximately 450 kg (or 992 lbs) each, two male grizzlies choose to share their den together and can sleep so long without seeking nourishment", said Dr. Ken Macquisten, refuge director and veterinarian. "As they emerge from their hibernation period at the Peak of Vancouver, we are very pleased to once again invite our guests to visit Grinder and Coola at the Grouse Mountain Refuge For Endangered Wildlife."
A familiar presence at the Peak of Vancouver, grizzly bears Grinder and Coola were welcomed into their habitat at Grouse Mountain’s Refuge For Endangered Wildlife in 2001 after being orphaned during separate incidents in Bella Coola and Invermere. Now concluding their 13th hibernation as Grouse Mountain ambassadors for their species, both grizzlies checked into their ‘Bear Hotel’ for their annual winter nap this past November 20th.
As the grizzlies stir from their slumber, the Summer of Bear Discovery is poised to officially launch at Grouse Mountain on the May long weekend with a wide variety of one-of-a-kind bear-themed activities suitable for the whole family. Featuring ranger talks and interpretive information at the Grizzly Lookout, bear-themed movies in the Theatre in the Sky, and an opportunity to meet Grouse Mountain’s very own bear mascot, visitors will be able to make their visit extra special during a unique and memorable ‘Breakfast with the Bears’ on scheduled dates June through September.
