Winter magic in the bear park: Experience bears and wolves up close!

Winter magic in the bear park: Experience bears and wolves up close!

The alternative wolf and bear park Black Forest in Bad Rippoldsau-Schapbach also attracts numerous visitors in winter. In contrast to frequent assumptions, the bears do not rest continuously, but can be spared sporadically. Teresa Carl, deputy project manager, explains that many animals are more active during the cold months to keep warm. Despite the typical hibernation, visitors have the opportunity to observe bears and other wild animals during their explore.

In the Bernese Bärenpark, on the other hand, the bears there gradually wake up out of their winter rest. Bär Finn has already been spotted several times, while Ursina and Berna have also been sporadically active, writes The Berner Zeitung . Björk, on the other hand, seems to be in a sleeping mood. The winter rest of the bears is not viewed as a real hibernation, explains Cornelia Mainini, head of zoo pedagogy in the Bärenpark. The duration and the beginning of this resting phase depend on the external conditions, usually it begins between October and December and ends in February or March. These phases are important because they coincide with the upcoming mating season.

To make the winter months even more attractive, the alternative wolf and bear park announces a special "bear Christmas" on the third weekend in Advent. Visitors can take part in a small but fine Christmas market that offers craft and culinary delights. There are also special wishes for the animals that can be fulfilled, which should strengthen the connection between the visitors and the zoo. It remains exciting how the bears will react to the heat of spring in both Bad Rippoldsau and Bern.