Grouse Mountain grizzly bears emerge from winter hibernation
Grinder and Coola have successfully hibernated at ski resort 15 times
On of the sure signs spring has come to the North Shore mountains, and the ski and snowboarding season is nearing its end, is the emergence of Grouse Mountain's grizzly bears from their hibernation.
Grinder and Coola have been living in a special habitat on Grouse Mountain since 2001 after the animals were orphaned during separate incidents in Bella Coola and Invermere.
This was their 15th successful hibernation at the resort and the two bears also marked their 15th birthdays during their dormant period.
During the 146-day hibernation staff monitored Grinder and Coola with an infrared camera placed in their den. A live feed of the images was made public on Grouse Mountain's website.
"It's wonderful to witness Grinder and Coola excitedly emerge from their 15th hibernation period," said Dr. Ken Macquisten, refuge director and veterinarian in a statement from the resort.
