Even though temperatures have risen slightly in the last couple of weeks, Grinder and Coola continue their hibernation and can be viewed spending most of the day in their sleeping den.
The boys are still active from time to time and can be seen stretching, grooming or going for a bit of a wander every once in a while. This movement keeps their bones and muscles strong during the winter dormancy period. The fact that bears get up and roam around during this period indicates that they are not true hibernators (in which body temperatures drastically decrease and an animal is torpid) and rather enter a period of dormancy with periods of minimal activity.
You can watch Grinder and Coola live on our hibernation video feed found at http://www.grousemountain.com/Winter/wildlife-education/refuge/grizzly-bear-live-camera.asp .
