During winter, heavy snows cover the ground here in Montana. To keep from starving, all bears sleep until spring.

As the autumn air cools, Buffy grows thick hair. His compulsive eating adds body fat from which he draws energy during his six months of hibernation.

Before hibernating in his straw-filled den, Buffy collects all his toys: a basketball, a tire, a skateboard and a big food dish. He sets these carefully around  his nest. Then, protected from the icy winter wind and snow, he settles in for his nap.

I crawl into the darkness of his den for a short goodbye. If I stay too long, Buffy pulls straw over my legs as if preparing me to stay.

Hibernation is a part of Buffy's world I cannot share. I wait until he is sound asleep before leaving. I'll miss him while he naps, but next spring my life with Buffy will pick up where we left off. (see bear facts page for photos of Buffy getting ready for hibernation)

With a hug. . .

back to Buffy's corner