A pair of grizzly bears appeared after the longest period of hibernation at the ski resort in British Columbia, where they live.
The bears, named Grinder and Tower, have lived in a mountain shelter in North Vancouver, British Columbia, since 2001. For 171 days, it was their longest hibernation in 21 years, Grouse Mountain Resort officials said in a press release. .
The grizzlies were “greeted with applause” as they emerged from their lair on Thursday morning, staff said.
This is the second year in a row that their hibernation has broken a record.
Last year, bears, which usually hibernate for about four months, rested for 170 days. Previously, their record was 153 days.
“Winter hibernation is a natural way for grizzlies to save energy during low food availability,” said Ken McEwston, director of wildlife shelter and veterinarian, in a press release.
During this time, they are monitored by staff using video and infrared cameras.
Grinder and Kula were discovered separately as orphans in 2001 and live in a 5.5-acre sanctuary on top of Mount Graus.
The bears’ living space has two webcams so that the public can follow their actions, but the wildlife refuge is also a tourist attraction.
A video from the outside camera on Friday morning showed one of the bears moving around his enclosure, which is still covered in snow.
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