Taking small steps, like adding more physical activity to your day, can reduce your risk for heart disease. At least 150 minutes of exercise for adults every week can help keep #OurHearts healthy.
Born in January, these three bear cubs with sharp little claws are approximately 7 to 8 weeks old; courtesy of Emily Carrollo, Pennsylvania Game Commission
If bears had birthday parties, they’d all be in January and February. That’s when winter dens across the country turn into nurseries as most pregnant bears give birth to cubs weighing in at less than a pound that would easily fit into your hands.
Human moms would probably envy a mother bear’s ability to give birth to one, two or three or more tiny cubs while half-asleep.
Even though cubs are born with their eyes closed, unable to hear or smell and weak and uncoordinated they instinctively find their mom’s nipples and start nursing. Soon the den will be filled with mom’s snores and the happy sounds of cubs humming and purring while they snuggle up to mom and their siblings and fill their tummies with a steady diet of rich, warm milk. Bear’s milk has a fat content around 33%, so nursing cubs have no problem gaining weight.
Over the next several weeks, cubs will keep eating, sleeping and growing and eventually start cautiously exploring their winter quarters. As winter slowly gives way to spring, their eyes will open, their teeth will come in and the fine hair they’re born with will be replaced by fur coats.
To find out how many cubs are usually born, what a very large litter could mean and more fascinating facts, keep reading!
Bear biologist Adam Hammond examines a newborn bear cub near the den; photo courtesy of Georgia Department of Natural Resources https://bearwise.org
Always remember, the greatest gift you’ll ever receive is not found in the shops or under your tree. It is found in the hearts of your family and true friends.
The Board of Directors and Residents of
Tranquility at Carters Lake
wish you a very Merry Christmas. We hope 2023 will be a great year for you and your family.
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