By COLE REIF
Great Bend Post
The extended nap time has arrived for the four grizzly bears at the Great Bend Brit Spaugh Zoo. In early November, the zoo’s grizzlies started staying inside more. The bears don’t always go into a full hibernation, but use the torpor tactic to survive the colder months, meaning they do wake up periodically throughout the winter.
Zoo Curator Ashley Burdick said even when the bears do
go out in their yard, it is not for long.
"It depends on the weather," said Burdick. "Even though we've had some warmer temperatures, the bears were still pretty lazy and didn't really want to go outside. I think a couple of them did go outside, but then quickly determined they'd rather be be inside."
The bears are still given food and fresh water each day in case they show signs
of wanting to eat, but they typically bulk up before their seasonal rest.
In their state of torpor, bears are able to reduce their metabolism, heart rate
and body temperature.
Burdick said the best time to catch a glimpse at the other animals now is in
the afternoon when it warms up a little.