Hibernating Bears Wake Up From Winter in Shepherdstown

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Last year, three Syrian brown bears were rescued from captivity after being kept in cages and bred for profit. At their new animal sanctuary in Shepherdstown, West Virginia, they hibernated through the winter for the first time. Footage shows the bears waking up from their three-month slumber.

Why it matters

The successful hibernation of these rescued bears at the Shepherdstown sanctuary highlights the importance of providing proper habitats and care for captive animals, allowing them to exhibit natural behaviors like hibernation that are essential to their wellbeing.

The details

The three Syrian brown bears were previously kept in cages and bred for profit before being rescued and transported to the animal sanctuary in Shepherdstown. At the sanctuary, the bears were able to hibernate for the first time, spending three months in a cozy slumber before recently waking up.

• The bears were rescued from captivity last year.
• The bears hibernated for three months over the winter at the Shepherdstown sanctuary.