The bears’ hibernation lasted only about six weeks in total.
Korkeasaari bears in a playful mood. Annika Sorjonen / Korkeasaari Zoo
The hibernation of the Korkeasaari bears was shorter than usual this winter.
The bears went to sleep at the end of October, but woke up already in early December. However, the bears returned to their week-long sleep in February.
Waking up and changing position during hibernation is typical, but hibernation is rarely this short. For example, last winter the bears slept for more than three months.
– We can’t explain the special winter sleep rhythm. The bears were very tired all winter and we also gave them carbohydrate-rich berries for a while, which they eat in the fall when refueling for hibernation. We also provided more nesting material, all of which they took to their winter nests, animal keeper Susan Nuurtila says in the announcement.
Usually the bears of Korkeasaari have woken up during February.
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