Wakey-wakey! Grouse Mountain grizzlies emerge from hibernation for another year

Bear hugs all around. The Grouse Mountain grizzlies are awake for a 22nd consecutive year.

The bears, named Grinder and Coola, have emerged from hibernation inside their North Vancouver sanctuary, eliciting cheers and applause from those lucky enough to be on hand.

After a winter sleep lasting 163 days, it concludes the 22nd successful hibernation period for the grizzlies at the Grouse Mountain Refuge for Endangered Wildlife.

After a chilly start to spring, it is the third-longest hibernation period since they arrived in 2001. The pair of males arrived that year as orphans after separate incidents in Bella Coola and Invermere, B.C.

“We’re excited to welcome Grinder and Coola out of hibernation and to watch them explore their habitat and stretch their legs,” said Dr. Ken Macquisten, the director and veterinarian at the wildlife refuge. “Hibernation through the winter is a natural way for grizzlies to conserve energy during a time of low food availability.”