No! Bears are not true hibernators and only hibernate out of necessity due to lack of food or a female giving birth. With daily feedings and the assurance that our bears are all fixed to prevent cubs, they enjoy year-round activities. Even in the winter, they revel in the joy of frolicking in the snow, showcasing their playful nature.

Breeding bears in captivity is completely unethical. Bear cubs require 2-3 years in the wild with their mom to learn the essential skills to survive. Without this crucial tutelage, their chances of longevity in the wild diminish significantly. Moreover, we refrain from increasing the captive bear population to preserve space for potential future rescues. All our bears are fixed, eliminating the possibility of bear cubs being born at our sanctuary. Beyond ethical considerations, spaying and neutering also decrease the chances of cancer among our resident bears.

When we rescue a bear from the wild or a bad captive situation, we make a lifetime commitment to them. Unlike black bears, in the United States, rehabilitating grizzly bears is illegal and impractical. Due to their high intelligence and keen sense of smell, any feeding activity imprints human scent on the food, posing a significant danger if released near people. This inherent risk makes successful rehabilitation nearly impossible without placing the bear thousands of miles away from human habitation. Unfortunately, in the U.S., finding such remote areas without human presence is a challenging task.

Ensuring the safety of both our visitors and bears is paramount, and for this reason, there is absolutely no direct contact between the two at our sanctuary. Our bears retain all their natural tools—claws, teeth, and formidable strength. Introducing a situation where a bear could physically interact with visitors not only jeopardizes the safety of the visitor but also poses risks to the bear. Our top priority is the comfort and safety of our bears.

To facilitate close viewing without compromising safety, we've implemented protective measures. A deep dry moat and short electric fencing effectively separate visitors from our bears, creating a secure viewing area. This setup allows for an intimate viewing experience without the inherent dangers associated with bear encounters in the wild.

Our bears enjoy a diverse diet comprising a wide array of foods. From berries, nuts, dried fruits, yogurts, to peanut butter, and more, they are treated to a variety of treats daily. For dinners, they are served a balanced mix of fruits, vegetables, and meats. Variety is key, as offering the same food two nights in a row would prompt curious looks from our discerning bears. While each bear has their own favorite foods, avocados are universally beloved. Skilled at peeling off the skin and leaving the pits behind for cleanup, our bears relish this nutritious treat.