Grinder and Coola Emerge After 149 Days of Hibernation
Posted by Devin Manky April 18, 2025
Spring has officially arrived at the Grouse Mountain Refuge for Endangered Wildlife, and with it comes the long-awaited wake-up of two of its most beloved residents: Grinder and Coola, the resident grizzly bears. After an impressive 149 days of hibernation, the pair emerged from their cozy winter den today, groggy but healthy, signaling the seasonal shift in the alpine world they call home. They entered their den on November 20th, 2024 last fall.
Hibernation is a remarkable survival strategy for bears, allowing them to endure the harsh winter months when food is scarce. Grinder, the more dominant of the two, tipped the scales at a hefty 960 pounds before entering hibernation. When he finally stepped out this spring, he had slimmed down significantly, weighing in at 768 pounds. That’s nearly 200 pounds shed over the winter! It’s a dramatic transformation, but a completely natural one for a grizzly bear.
Coola, his companion, was a tad more shy today and after sticking his neck out of the den to eat a bit of lettuce chose not to step onto the scale. He hit the snooze button and went back in for another long nap before emerging in the Afternoon.
Both bears are slowly easing back into their active routines. Refuge staff will now gradually reintroduce them to a full diet while monitoring their behavior and health closely. For visitors, it’s a rare and special chance to witness the awe-inspiring power of bears up close. Grinder and Coola’s emergence is not just a springtime spectacle—it’s a reminder of the resilience of wildlife and the importance of conservation efforts that protect these incredible creatures.
So, head to Grouse Mountain soon and keep your eyes peeled—you might just catch Grinder and Coola shaking off the last of their winter slumber, stretching out under the warming sun, and reacquainting themselves with the outside world around them.
