Among rusty autumn leaves, the bears are preparing their “pajamas” for hibernation. The wise ones know that as you lay your bed, so you’ll sleep, and with that in mind the bears began digging their holes at the beginning of November. Each bear’s bedroom is different, depending on the possibilities the space affords and the bear’s own tastes—they can be anything from a simple hole “parked” right in the middle of a pathway to a long and roomy den drilled near tree roots. The frenzy of making these nests is similar to the search for a parking space in the heart of a city. As if acres of forest weren’t sufficient, some bears thought they could live next to electric fences with no regard for regulations. Their zeal, similar to that of real estate developers during an economic boom, was kept in check by the sanctuary workers. They immediately took measures to “demolish” these buildings constructed “without authorization.” In this case, the holes were promptly plugged, and any attempt to circumvent the smooth running of things in the sanctuary was discouraged by the installation of a temporary electric fence.
Other longstanding residents like Cristi, have already booked their dens, like noblemen in times past. Many of the dens are hidden from curious glances, being located in select residential areas such as hazelnut bushes or old oak roots. In the southern part of the second enclosure, in the slope of a steep hillside, two dens yawn with sleepy mouths, like villas of people living in “good areas.” In one den, a pout arises discreetly, followed by a big head with two fluffy ears. Although it’s 15 degrees Celsius outside, Cristi withdraws into his bedroom, where he disinterestedly watches as the other residents of his enclosure stroll by. He’s barricaded himself in the den, perhaps for fear of finding his home occupied by profiteers if he leaves. The bears know that he who walks away from his den might lose it.
Eight years ago, when the first fences were installed at the sanctuary, we were afraid that these bears wouldn’t know how to prepare their “beds.” Manufacturers built artificial dens using natural materials—earth and wood. It wasn’t long until residents showed their indignation by trampling on their houses. It was a clear sign that every bear has the duty of building his own den, at least once in a lifetime. We were surprised to see how the bears placed their “homes”: always with the entrance facing south, protected from the cold and wet.
We were all amazed to see how long they actually hibernate. Analyzing archives of previous years, we noticed an interesting thing: 20 bears are almost always asleep, 15 are always awake, and the rest of them alternate: five to seven lay their head on a pillow, but then they go out for a four- or five-day walk.
