New bear cubs
In mid January or February, bear cubs are being born inside dens. The new moms remain sluggish during the event, and wake from hibernation just long enough to give birth and clean up their new babies before going back to sleep. Cubs are then left pretty much on their own until spring to nurse on mom鈥檚 fat-rich milk and crawl around the den.
Female bears usually give birth to two or three cubs per litter. These cubs are born tiny and with not much hair鈥攖hey snuggle up against mom鈥檚 warm body for heat until the family is ready to emerge from the den in early spring (between late March and early May in Jasper). The rambunctious bear cubs are now ready for life training.
Though breeding usually takes place in late June or early July, female bears have delayed implantation. This means that ovum is fertilized, but just kind of sits around without developing until it attaches to the uterus in the fall. If the female isn鈥檛 healthy enough to carry out the demands of pregnancy by fall, implantation doesn鈥檛 take place. This helps ensure the best chance of survival for both the female bear and her cubs.
Out and about on the trails
Did you know that, again this year, Parks Canada staff are flat-packing certain trails on Pyramid Bench? After snowfalls, a trail crew member packs down a smooth, wide path with a snowmobile, leaving great conditions for walking, running or taking your new fat bike for a ride.
Also, if you鈥檝e already ventured onto the Pyramid bench this winter, you may have noticed the new, yellow markers, suggesting the best trails to snowshoe on. Finding a specific trail can be challenging in winter, especially if trails are covered with fresh snow. These markers will help guide you and keep you on your way.
Please do not hike, bike or snowshoe on groomed ski trails. As in the summer months, biking is allowed on signed, official trails only.
Check the winter trails map to help plan your next winter adventure.
