Birthday for Brutus
Casey Anderson, Expedition Grizzly Presenter, Naturalist
It’s mid winter in Yellowstone Country; everything is covered in snow and ice and if you look outside there doesn't seem to be much going on. But in mid winter, there is a little miracle happening on some high north facing mountain slope, covered deep in snow pack and tons of earth. This is the time of year, hidden away in their warm dens, that mother grizzlies give birth. After a short gestation period of about 75 days, an underdeveloped little "fuzzy twinkie" or two pops out in a subterranean maternity room. Not much larger than a squirrel, these little grizzly cubs are blind, nearly hairless, and can't walk. The situation is very similar to a kangaroo. The little "premature" kangaroo joey is born and crawls up into its mother’s pouch to continue to develop. The den is much like a pouch. It provides security from the rest of the world until the little cubs are ready for it. Most mothers and cubs emerge from their dens in April or May, exactly the same time many other mammals are giving birth to newborns, that are born ready for the world. The cubs have developed enough to take on their first trials and challenges.
Once they emerge from the den, the cubs begin learning how to be a bear and they face many dangers. In six short months, however, the cubs are back in the safety of the den where they will celebrate their first birthday. What a way to celebrate a birthday! While in their den, a bear has to hold it, literally. No peeing or pooping for up to six months. Yikes!! They don't eat or drink anything either!! Although they are completely conscious, their heart rates slow to five to eight beats a minute. In fact, only half of their heart functions during this time. Amazing!! Their body temperature drops several degrees and the cubs just hang out and wait for spring. What kind of birthday party is that!?!?
Brutus celebrates his birthday a very different way. Brutus does not hibernate. In fact, bears generally hibernate because there is no food available during the winter months. In Brutus' case, there is always food, and he likes it that way. Come his birthday on January 17, the party is ALL ABOUT THE FOOD!!! We wrap gifts, put up streamers and balloons in the house, and sing happy birthday to him when he comes in. Brutus unwraps and devours his gifts (usually salmon fillets, avocados, marshmallows, grapes and other yummy food items), tears down all the streamers and pops the balloons. And finally, the best part: the birthday cake! Brutus inhales an entire carrot cake (his favorite) all by himself!!! He wouldn't have his birthday any other way.
When I met Brutus for the first time, it was in a den. He was only a week old and he lay next to his tranquilized mother. For his safety, he had to be removed from the population because the male bears in the wildlife park would have killed him had they known he was there. He was so tiny I could hold him in the palm of my hand and he was very weak and defenseless. Because he was born in captivity, he would have to remain in captivity his entire life and would never get to experience the wild. He had only one choice: to spend the rest of his life with us at Montana Grizzly Encounters, where we were determined to give him the best life possible. Brutus was born for a purpose, a purpose that would run free through the wilderness and touch all of his wild cousins.
My purpose in life was genetically destined. My father was a mountain man and my mother ran a homeless shelter. Ironically, I now provide sanctuary to homeless grizzly bears. Together, our relationship can be so very important. As wild grizzly ambassadors, we are determined to shed new light on this awesome creature in a cool and innovative way. And hopefully, with your help, make a positive difference in the future of this incredible species.
^M
