Community springs forward with bear cubs’ last day in town

Some Idaho Falls residences were OK with losing a bit of sleep because it meant they were an hour closer to meeting Yellowstone Bear World’s two black bear cubs.

Locals lined up at Cabela’s in Idaho Falls early Sunday morning.

The cubs are two months old and have not yet been named.

Those who went to meet the twin bears had a chance to submit their name suggestions.

Yellowstone Bear World wants to take some time for the cubs’ personalities to develop to help them decide what names best suit them.

They expect to have a decision made at the beginning of April.

The submitter they choose will receive Bear World Admission passes for them and their family.

The park has been closed during the winter while the bears hibernate.

Park officials believe introducing the new members of their bear family would be a great way to launch their reopening and help them raise some money.

“We are really excited to have the baby bear cubs here at Cabela’s,” Yellowstone Bear World President Courtney Ferguson said. “We’re having a great time. It’s a great fundraiser for Yellowstone Bear World.”

They were able to raise money from visitors who came out to meet and take pictures with the cubs.

All the funds that were raised will go toward the park’s education program and supporting wildlife at the park.

Bear World will open at the end of April, during Easter weekend.