Elistvere bear Ursula chooses people over hibernation

Ursula, a bear at Elistvere Animal Park, has not hibernated and enjoys human attention, her keeper told the ERR programme Terevisioon.

Keeper Kairi Hermits said Ursula arrived at the park last year. She spent time in her den for daytime naps but came out to eat in the mornings and evenings. Because staff bring her food, she may have had little reason to hibernate, Hermits said. The park cannot predict whether she will hibernate this year, and its previous bear also never did.

Ursula is preparing for winter and has a healthy coat, Hermits said. When the park is closed on Mondays, Ursula often climbs a tree and looks for people. She enjoys their attention and is keen to interact with them.

Hermits advised people visiting forests to make some noise by talking, humming or singing so wildlife can hear them coming. She said wild animals generally do not seek contact with people and will move away.