Top Photo: Little Bear (right) and Murray Bear “play” with each other in the bear enclosure.

It seems, that all of the sudden, 4 year old Little Bear and 2 year old Murray Bear are best buds. Previously, Murray would attempt to engage Little, as well as much older Mimi Bear (21 yr) only to get growled at and chased away.

Little was often antagonistic towards the youngest and latest addition to the bear enclosure. In the recent past Little bear would threaten and chase Murray whenever he was near, block his way and make life, at the very least, uncomfortable for the younger bear, seemingly with purpose.

The two young bears are now playmates (Mimi still prefers to be left alone and will likely remain so).

During the past week and more the two bears have been seen “playing” with each other, wrestling, rolling around on the ground, swimming and even climbing trees together. What has gotten into Little Bear. At the risk of anthropomorphizing the bear’s behavior, it seems perhaps Little has realized it’s more advantageous to get along with her cell mates (enclosure mates) than to be at odds with them.

It’ll be interesting to see how this new relationship plays out. It’s not only more fun for the bears to play and roll around, but also more fun for us humans watching the bears from the overlook.

Ranger Greg