Somebody’s sleepy 😴
As winter approaches, bears across the northern hemisphere begin settling into their dens for a season-long slumber. However, as one Yellowstone black bear demonstrated, getting comfortable can sometimes be a challenge.
Wildlife guide Grant T. Johnson recently visited Yellowstone National Park to check on a known bear den. Expecting to find the bear snoozing, Johnson was surprised to see the groggy animal outside its burrow, gathering extra insulation and bedding materials.
Using a zoom lens, Johnson captured the moment, likening it to a human fluffing their pillow during a restless night.
The unseasonably mild autumn weather may be making the transition into torpor—a lighter state of hibernation—more difficult for some bears this year.
“Seeing a bear tucked into its den for the winter is a rare privilege,” Johnson said. “I feel amazingly lucky to have witnessed this.”
Hopefully, the adjustments made to the den will ensure the bear enjoys a cozy, restful winter.
“Sleep well, little buddy,” Johnson wrote, “and we’ll see you in the spring.”