BearPark
The Bernese bears are at home in the BearPark in the middle of the city. The “Mutzen” live exclusively in the park on the slopes of the River Aare, with a view of Bern’s UNESCO-listed Old Town. The 5,000 square metre area stretches from the former bear pit down to the banks of the Aare and can be experienced without any obstacles. This is because the “BäreBähnli” creates a fast wheelchair-friendly connection between the banks of the Aare and the upper part of the park. The panoramic inclined lift can be used free of charge. It’s a unique experience to glide through the park past the bears’ noses!
Autumn in the BearPark
Shorter and cooler days herald the arrival of fall. Our brown bears mainly use this time to eat. We feed them kilos of vegetables, fruit and berries as well as high-fat nuts and acorns. From time to time, fish and meat are on the menu – just like in the wild. All this food allows the bears to build up a thick layer of fat in preparation for hibernation.
Preparing for hibernation also involves choosing a den. There are various dens in the enclosure, which the bears now inspect and then finally decide on one to retreat to alone.