Today is a special walk ☆ What, I took ♪ a walk in the park of Bear Mountain Let's go to the course that can be reached at this time of year! Above that is the boardwalk course, and you can look for and observe bears from there. Huh? It's the first smell I've ever smelled before... I'm not sure, but for the time being, I???'m going to put my own scent on the marking. It seems that the staff at work is inspecting the promenade. I don't know all the people, so I wonder if it's a contractor. Then, I can't get stroked, so don't go near it, smell the smell that bothers me, it's a very stimulating walk, and I feel like an explorer dog who is not an explorer at all. Sarah & Moko

I went for a walk today to take a peek at work. What are they making? Red, yellow, green: Is it a traffic light? I was also in the tower that opened and closed the fence when the bus passed. I'm also changing tires. We were doing a lot of work in various places, but when they found us, they all stroked us ♪. This is also our job ☆ (Maybe it's interfering with the work?) Sarah & Moko

Hello, it's been a long time! We are steadily preparing for the opening on April 29th. I've been creating exhibits for the past two weeks. Recently, I tried to make something like this. What is this?? Please don't say that (laughs) This is a replica of the transmitter attached to the bear. The antenna in the park catches the radio waves of the transmitter and the position of the bear is displayed on the monitor! That's how it works. The black part is a tag that emits radio waves, but of course the one I wear around my neck is not real. The real thing is here! The tag part is sturdy so that it does not break even if the bear rubs its back or bathes. A bear with a good physique has a neck circumference of 100 cm! We are doing our best to make it in time for the opening, so I would be happy if you could keep an eye on the exhibits in each place after seeing the bears! [Breeding: Ito]

今日はお仕事見学。「みんながんばっているかな？」と作業の様子をのぞきに遊歩道の入口までお散歩に♪ やっぱり入口からは誰も見つけられなかったワン(>_<;) おやっ？遊歩道コースとバスコースの区分けをする縁石が隅に寄ってるぞ？ これはね、除雪がしやすいように隅に寄せられてたんだって。 なるほど〜。雪国に暮らす人の知恵だねぇ。 ためになったねぇ〜、ためになったよぉ〜。 というわけでオープンまでにはこの縁石、白線の位置に戻っていますよ。 サラ＆モコ

A variety of terms are used in Bear Mountain. You may also use it. In this article, we will introduce some of them. ・ Bangsen (number line): A wire with a number. 　　　　　　　　　　　　The smaller the number, the thicker it becomes, and the larger it is, the thinner it becomes. ・Cat: Unicycle. 　　　　　It doesn't jump or squeal. 　　　　　 ・ Handle: A tool to open the door of the animal house. 　　　　　　　 The muscles of the arms are trained. 　　　　　　　　 ・ Slowly: Close the door slowly ・ Solid: Close the door seriously! !! There are many different types of jobs, but there are many specialized terms depending on the type of job. If you are interested, it may be interesting to look into it. If you tell the zookeeper when you come to Bear Mountain, the zookeeper may be surprised, so please give it a try. 【Breeding Kurokawa】

The park is absolutely inaccessible during business hours. At this time of year, when the bears are not being released, they work during the day to prepare for the opening, so you can walk around the park in the flesh without getting in a car. Even if you know that there are no brown bears, it is kind of scary. By the way, when I was walking in front of Bare Point with the feeling of a brown bear, I found a brown bear's hair on a standing tree ( ̄ ー "+")! !! There was loose hair stuck in the skin of the tree. If you look closely, it looks like a blonde, doesn't it? And which bear? Even the breeding staff, who can be identified by the shape of the hind appearance and tail, cannot judge which individual is just by looking at the shedding hair (^^;;

The ski resort closed yesterday (4/5). This year, we have been blessed with snow since February, and there is still plenty of snow today when it is closed. However, the snow is melting around the Sahoro Resort Hotel, which is only about 700 meters away, and the ground of the park golf course is beginning to appear. "Fukinotou" began to emerge from the soil. When the cat willow swells and the butterbur becomes noticeable, you will feel [spring]. Now, the brown bears are steadily preparing for the opening on the 29th, and they are spending their time doing health checkups after winter and attaching GPS transmitters. The bears in their fourth year of Sahoro may be thinking, "I want to eat wild vegetables in spring as soon as possible" (!?) I can't.

The bears seem to have woken up from their winter sleep and their physical condition has gradually returned. Today, I put Santa, who woke up the first of the 18 animals, out in the sub-paddock (playground). Santa is very excited about the outside world for the first time in a long time! I was full of energy, running around in the snow and rubbing my back. It's hard to believe that I've been sleeping in the winter for about three months. 　Run, run!! 　I play with it crazy on the branches of the tree The hind legs that I saw a little bit are cute After Santa runs around ... [Breeding: Ito]

As mentioned in the recent Bear Mountain report, brown bears are slowly starting to wake up. From the awakened brown bear, we began to feed it in preparation for the upcoming active season. Brown bears have been fasting for about three months, so it seems that their internal organs are not working well immediately after waking up. Therefore, so that the internal organs do not freak out, at first they are given a small amount of pellets for bears soaked in hot water. After that, while watching the brown bear, gradually increase the amount and type of food. Food is put in using a shovel from the feeding port attached to the brown bears' private room. Brown bears that detect the smell of food will come to the front of the feeding port to see if they want food. Therefore, we always work in pairs of two, with a person who feeds with a shovel and a person who drives away brown bears with an iron bar. You can quickly put the food in while watching the brown bear, but it is difficult because even one way of moving the shovel can be put in or not depending on the angle and speed. I'm clumsy, and I'm struggling with the advice of a senior zookeeper. 【Breeding Nakasuji】

There is a day called Enlightenment in the calendar. This year, March 5 was the day of enlightenment. The word "enlightenment" means that insects that have been wintering in the ground feel the arrival of spring and crawl out to the ground. By the way, the brown bears of Bear Mountain have also tried to "stay in winter", and three months have passed at the earliest. Until now, the brown bears have been sleeping calmly on the straw, but recently they seem to be moving their bodies and somehow restless and soothing. It was March 5th when I started to feel such a thing. As usual, I went up to the roof of the brown bear house and counted my breathing rate, and I heard a metallic sound behind me. I had a similar experience last year, and I thought, "No way," and when I looked back, the lid of the ventilation vent started to move, and the bear's forelimbs came out. The youngest Santa, an 8-year-old male, stood up and opened the ventilation opening. Also, when observing the bear in the animal barn, I noticed the keeper and approached with a firm step in front of the door. It moves so well that it is hard to believe that it has slept without eating for three months, and I am once again amazed at the strength of the brown bear's vitality. On March 11, TV news reported that a wild brown bear appeared in a private house in Shari Town and ate "Takuan". From this news, I wondered if the time when wild brown bears and "artificial wintering" brown bears in captivity wake up at the same time. From this, if it is assumed that the completion of artificial wintering by brown bears in captivity coincides with the start of activity of wild brown bears, it may be possible to predict the activity of wild brown bears by looking at the movements of artificial wintering individuals, although it is a hypothesis. If you do so, I think it will be possible to inform those who are climbing in the spring or entering the mountains in advance of cautionary information. Bear Mountain is conducting an "artificial winter" with a large number of animals. The observation data may be used for various things [Breeding Kurokawa]

Yesterday, we started snow removal in the park in preparation for the opening on 4/29. Compared to last year, there was about 60 cm more snow, so we started snow removal from the bear watching bus road. The snow is cleared wide enough for one car to pass through. It took me two days to finally make one lap. And another snowplow team is attacking the promenade course. Snow removal of the most difficult part of the day, the entrance slope. I took a picture on the way. It is piled up to the same height as the 176 cm tall member, if not more. Snow removal has only just begun, but we aim to continue until the end of March. (Facility: Hisai)

From the window of the lift ticket office where I am, I can see Sarah and Moko well. Gently "hide and shoot" (^3^) so that you don't wake up with the sound of opening the window. Moko-san, I'm sleeping... I don't want my stomach to get cold, so the blanket looks warm! Hah! ( ゚△ ゚;) Σ I woke up! Dreams, again...　Does it feel good to sleep with your face out? After playing with the engine at full throttle ★ in the morning and evening walks, I usually relax like this. The customers who come often seem to be "friends"? I am aware that I am wagging my tail to greet you. Even when I was updating this blog, I was (^^) in a dream [Ito]

Rice straw is raked, carried with the mouth, and chewed to soften it to make a bed. It's dark and hard to see, but keep an eye out and watch them chew on it.

This is great news for zookeepers and customers alike. Bear Mountain's annual passport is finally born! Since its opening in 2006, the "Annual Passport" has been requested by many customers. It was born in response to happy opinions such as never getting tired of watching it, wanting to come back to see it many times during the season, and being able to see the ecology of bears that was different from the last time I came (>▽<) I want more people to see and feel the behavior of bears that change with the seasons. We zookeepers also hope that the passport will create an opportunity for that. Spring Bears munching on green grass. Often eat butterbur and clover. Early summer estrus season. There will be a lot of back rubbing and flaunting behavior. Summer: Bears who are hungry for the heat. Can you find them napping or bathing in the shade of a tree?! Autumn Autumn of appetite! At salmon events, salmon are chased vigorously. The bears are full and have a satisfied expression. You may even be able to witness a glimpse that even zookeepers rarely see. The way they climb trees and play with each other is hilarious, and the tense atmosphere when incompatible bears meet each other is also conveyed and overwhelming. Please come and see the bears of Sahoro with your passport!　　【Ito】 ★ For more information about the Annual Passport, please see "Latest News".

飼育係りの仕事の1つ、サラとモコのお散歩。さすが園長！足元にピッタリ寄り添わせ、しつけが行き届いています。 ・・・なーんてコレには理由があるのです。 散歩中は遊びに夢中のサラとモコ。遠く離れた所まで全速力で走っていきますが、どんなに離れてしまっても名前を呼ぶと楽しそうに戻ってきます。戻るとご褒美がもらえるので、園長におねだりしているのでした。 普段はスキー場のリフト発券所横にいるサラとモコ。モコは人懐こいのでお客様に愛想をふりまき遊んでもらっているのですが、サラは小屋に隠れて出てきません。でも本当は遊んでもらいたいのかも！？ 散歩の時はとっても元気に走り回るサラをご覧ください。 奥がサラ。手前の後姿がモコ。 間合いをつめて・・・ サラが近づいてきたらダッシュで逃げる!≡≡≡ヘ(*–)ノ 早すぎてブレてしまった･･･ 鼻の穴まんまるに膨らませて走るサラ 小屋に隠れる姿とは別人ならぬ別犬です☆

9：30頃 林の中の道を通りクマ舎に向います。 それは、「冬ごもり」中のクマの様子を観察し記録する為です。 観察内容は初めにクマの呼吸数を数えます。方法はクマ舎の屋上、各部屋に設置されている換気口の取っ手部分に耳をあてて呼吸数をカウントします。 飼育係が手分けして、寒風吹きすさぶ中で鉄の取っ手に耳を押し付けて呼吸数を聞いていると、あまりの冷たさに耳の感覚がなくなってきます！ また、風の音が邪魔をする中で呼吸音だけを聞き取るには熟練した経験がものを言うのです。 10：15頃 光を遮断したクマ舎の中を懐中電灯を頼りにクマ、寝室、ワラと巣、氷の有無などを２人１組で観察します。 この一連の作業は「冬ごもり」を無事終えさせる為には絶対に欠かせない作業なのです。 11：00 ヤギ小屋の清掃 ヤギは「ユキちゃん」と「アツコ」のメス２頭を飼育しています。 11：50 サラとモコの排尿。 13：00 午前中のクマ観察データを打ち込みます。「冬ごもり」を解明するためには貴重な資料になるので、観察内容を慎重にコンピューターに打ち込みます。 14：00 クマ舎に呼吸数を数えに行きます。 15：00 アイドル犬のお散歩 どんなに風が強くても、雪が降っても元気に雪の中を走り回っています。 16：00 午後のクマ観察データの打ち込みと、終業時のミーティングを行ないます。 飼育最後のお仕事はイヌの夕食後の排尿です。 17：00 退社！！ 飼育作業の１日の紹介でした。 飼育スタッフの一部の人は、スキー場のお仕事もしているのでクマのお話などを聞きたい方は、気軽に声をかけてみてください。 【飼育　宮野・黒川】

こんにちは。今日は冬の飼育係の1日を紹介します。 8：00 今日一日の作業予定と前日のクマの状況を伝える為のミーティングを行ないます。 8：10頃 ハスキー犬の「サラ」と「モコ」の散歩から1日が始まります。 大型犬なので運動は時間をかけて行なっています。 散歩後は、寝室用ケージの分解清掃（病気予防のために消毒も行ないます） 朝食後、発券所前に移動してスキー客をお出迎え。今では職場とお客様のアイドルです。 ・・・ｐａｒｔ　2へ続く 【飼育　宮野・黒川】

補充を受けた稲ワラを前肢を使い、柔らかくするために揉んでいるところです。 稲ワラの1本まで丁寧にかき集め、寝床を作ります。

飼育係りのお仕事クイズ。 おさらいです。 Q寝床にする稲ワラを、どのようにしてクマの部屋に入れているのでしょ〜か？ 1.冬ごもり中のクマは動きがゆっくりなのでマッハのスピードで補充 2.寝ているクマを起こし、部屋から出して補充 3.天井の換気口から補充 4.ブラインドを外し、鉄格子の間から補充 という4択問題でした。 さて、正解は・・・ 3.天井の換気口から補充 でした。みなさん当たっていましたか？ クマ舎の屋上（天井）には換気口があり、この小さな穴から稲ワラを補充しています。飼育係りでもなるべくクマ舎に立ち入らないようにしているのです。 いくら動きのゆっくりとしたクマでも、近づく事はできませんよね(;゜(エ)゜) 真っ直ぐにピンとした稲ワラを柔らかくしたり、細かくちぎったり、個体によってさまざまな寝床作りをしています。 （写真はイヌオの様子）

飼育係りはヒグマが冬ごもりをしている間も、たくさんの仕事が待っています。 その1つとして、クマたちがぐっすりと眠りにつけるよう各個体に稲ワラを与えているのですが、 ここで問題です！ Q.寝床にする稲ワラを、どのようにしてクマの部屋に入れているのでしょう〜か？ 次の4つからお選びください。 1.冬ごもり中のクマは動きがゆっくりなのでマッハのスピードで補充 2.寝ているクマを起こし、部屋から出して補充 3.天井の換気口から補充 4.ブラインドを外し、鉄格子の間から補充 クイズ続きのベア･マウンテン便りですが、正解は後日書き込みますのでお楽しみにヾ(*゜ー゜)ノ

前回の足跡クイズ、皆さんどんな動物を想像しましたか？ １枚目の写真はキタキツネの足跡でした。 みごとな一直線！軽やかなあしどりで歩く姿が目にうかびますね（＾＾） ２枚目の写真はユキウサギ！ 小さな足跡（前足）のわきに大きな足跡（後ろ足）がついているのがわかりましたか？ この大きな後ろ足が”かんじき”の役割をして、雪原でもすばやく歩くことができます。 私が小さなころ野山についた足跡を見ながら祖父とクイズ遊びをして学んだことを思いだします。 足跡を見つけやすいこの時期、皆さんもお友達や家族と足跡クイズで楽しんでみてくださいね！　【伊藤】

朝、クマ舎にむかって林の中の道を歩いているといろいろな動物の足跡に出会いました。 さて皆さん、この足跡の主はだれでしょうか？！ （ヒント）雪の上に一直線にのびる足跡。愛らしい人気者です。 　 ケンケンパ、ケンケンパ、この足跡はだれのもの？ 　 ★正解は次回のブログで発表★ 他にもサホロ周辺ではエゾシカの足跡も見られます。 食べるものに乏しい冬の間、動物たちは生きる為に必死です。 ヒグマのように冬ごもりするもの、冬の間も活動するもの、どんな生き物でも命をつなぐ為に懸命に生きているのですね。 雪原に残った足跡の主たちも無事に冬を越せますように！　【伊藤】

2009年がはじまって早一週間です。 寒い日が続いていますが皆様は風邪などひいてはいないでしょうか？ 野生のヒグマは「冬ごもり」をするための穴の中に笹や枯葉、小枝などを集めて、それを敷いて寝床を作ります。 こうすることで、地面からの冷えや体が水になどに直接ふれて濡れることを防ぐ役割も果たします。快適な「冬ごもり」を過ごすためのクマの知恵には感心させられますね。 「多頭数による人工冬ごもり」を行っているベアマウンテンでは一冬分の枯葉や小枝など集めることが不可能ですので寝床用に稲ワラを使用します。 そこで、普段の動きが緩慢になってきたクマ達には試験的に１〜２束を与えてみます。そうすると寝室に散らかったワラの1本まで大事そうに両手でかき集め、それを口にくわえて短く噛み切ったり、両手で揉んで柔らかくするなど、それぞれが思い思いの方法で自分好みの寝床を作りその上で眠り始めました。寝床の場所や、形にも個性がみられます。 　→　　→　 ちなみに、冬ごもりにはいる状態になっていないクマ達はワラを部屋中に散らかし汚してしまいます。 自然界では「冬ごもり」に入る要因の一つに、気温の低下と積雪が関与していると言われていますが「人工冬ごもり」に関しては寝ワラも関係しているのかもしれませんね。 なぜそう感じたかというと、ドンドンとシュート扉を叩いていて冬ごもりに入る気配のなかったクマも寝ワラを試しに与えたところ、すぐに寝床を作り始めその上で寝始めました。また、扉を叩く行動もなくなったことからそう言えるかもしれません。 ベアマウンテンではこれからが本格的な冬ごもりに向けての取り組みになります。　【伊藤】 （おまけ）寝床の寝心地を体験・某飼育係の後姿！

明けましておめでとうございます。 本日のサホロ、ちょっと風が強いですが青空が広がる元旦を迎えております。 さて冬ごもり前の12月中旬、クリスマスケーキに引き続き 飼育スタッフお手製の”鏡餅”をプレゼントしましたぁ。 鑑賞後（物体確認後）、すぐに鏡開きとなり、お餅に似せた果物入り氷を平らげ、 早めのお正月行事を行ったヒグマたちでした。 2009年も皆様にとって良い年になることと同時に、たくさんの方々がベア･マウンテンにご来場いただき、 お会いできる事を祈っております。 今年度も何卒よろしくお願い申し上げます。