Grouse Mountain's grizzly bears emerge from hibernation (PHOTOS)

Grinder and Coola emerging from hibernation at Grouse Mountain on April 21, 2020. (Grouse Mountain)

Grinder and Coola, the orphan grizzly bear residents atop Grouse Mountain, emerged out of their den Tuesday morning, completing their 19th winter dormancy atop the mountain. But with the resort temporarily closed due to COVID-19, this will be their quietest season yet out of hibernation.

Both grizzly bears were in hibernation for 144 days, monitored by staff by an infrared camera placed inside the den. As usual, the live video feed from inside the den can be viewed online at Grouse Mountain’s website.

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“It’s always a pleasure to welcome Grinder and Coola out of hibernation to begin exploring their habitat,” said Dr. Ken Macquisten, veterinarian and director of the Grouse Mountain Refuge for Endangered Wildlife, in a statement.

Operators are emphasizing the property is temporarily closed and public access is prohibited.

The bears have an expansive habitat to roam around in, with fencing secured by electrification turning ski terrain into their spring and summertime habitat, before they return into their den later this year. They have about five acres of natural terrain, which includes a hill with trees and logs, boulders, a large pond, and open grassy areas.

Grinder and Coola emerging from hibernation at Grouse Mountain on April 21, 2020. (Grouse Mountain)

“Hibernation through the winter is a natural way for Grizzlies to conserve energy during a time of low food availability,” added Macquisten.

“As Grinder and Coola continue to explore and our team works to gradually expand their habitat to its full size, we encourage you to stay connected with them virtually until we can safely welcome you back to Grouse Mountain.”

Grinder and Coola emerging from hibernation at Grouse Mountain on April 21, 2020. (Grouse Mountain)

After being deemed unreleasable by federal officials, Grinder and Coola began living at the mountain in 2001 when they were just small orphan cubs. While they get along well and are often seen playing together, they are not relatives but are often mistaken for being brothers.

The circumstances of Grinder’s family when he was orphaned are not known, but he was found weak, weighing just 4.5 kg. On the other hand, Coola’s mother and two siblings were killed following a collision on a highway near Bella Coola.

In the wild, male grizzly bears have an average lifespan of 22 years, while females live to about 26 years.

Grinder and Coola emerging from hibernation at Grouse Mountain on April 21, 2020. (Grouse Mountain)

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