Grouse Mountain Grizzly Bears Wake Up from Hibernation

Ever had a really good sleep-in that felt like you’d been in bed for days? For Grinder and Coola, Grouse Mountain’s resident grizzly bears, their second longest winter sleep-in just concluded after 152 days of hibernation!

The annual awakening of the massive male grizzlies signals the coming of summer adventures, even though skiing and riding still remains open thanks to the colder Spring climate and fresh snow.

Regarded as two of the most popular residents at the Peak of Vancouver, Grizzly bears Grinder and Coola were welcomed into their habitat at Grouse Mountain’s Refuge for Endangered Wildlife in 2001 after being orphaned during separate incidents in Bella Coola and Invermere. Both Grizzlies celebrated their 16th birthday during their most recent hibernation period.

Now, you can watch the two grizzlies from a safe distance as they roll around in the snow and stretch their legs after their long winter nap. Over the next few weeks, the refuge will be expanded into its summertime size to a large enclosure for the bears to roam around and explore.

The two bears have been living on Grouse Mountain since 2001 when they were found as small orphan cubs. Grinder was found in Invermere, BC, where he was wandering alone on a logging road, dehydrated, thin, weak and weighing only 4.5 kg. His mother was never found, so he was taken to live in a new, safe environment on Grouse Mountain. Similarly, Coola was found orphaned on a highway near Bella Coola, BC. His mother had been killed by a truck and, of her three cubs, Coola was the only one to survive.

Now, they live a relaxing life in the wilderness sanctuary on Grouse Mountain. You can view them anytime with your alpine experience lift ticket. There’s even a “Breakfast with the Bears” experience that lets you get up, close and personal with the beautiful, big bears.

Learn more about the grizzle bears and their wildlife refuge on the Grouse Mountain website.