The North American Bear Center will welcome two new male black bear cubs to Ely this September.
The center is already busy with preparations for the pair, who will arrive from Alaska as nine-month-old cubs.
“With great pleasure after many, many years of searching and having our name out there, waiting on lists and other lists, we are pleased to announce that we are not getting a cub, (but we are) getting two cubs,” said program director Sharon Herrell via a live Facebook announcement.
Herrell, along with senior executive director Scott Edgett and biologist Spencer Peter have been in conversation with the Alaska Fish and Wildlife Service for a few years, waiting for an opportunity to arise.
The cubs came into custody of the Fish and Wildlife Service after their mother was killed. The chance to look after the pair landed with the North American Bear Center.
“We contemplated and talked about it for a little while as a staff to see if we felt we could do it, and the staff felt confident,” Edgett said.
Scott said they’re all a little nervous, but the center has the situation handled.
“We’re going to go with what we know best. Sharon’s got the experience, this group has the experience,” Edgett said.
“I’m super excited. This is really good for the bear center. We’re going to grow a lot from this and we’re going to keep going up, so this is really good,” said biologist and intern director Macy Bernard.
The Bear Center has not yet solidified an exact date for the cubs’ arrival yet. The Alaska Fish and Wildlife Service is currently looking after the pair, working to ensure they are in good health for their new home.
In the meantime, the center will be working hard to prepare the enclosure for the safety of the bears, staff and visitors.
The public will have the chance to brainstorm names for the two new arrivals. The Bear Center plans to narrow public recommendations to three to four favorites, and then name the pair from the shortlist.
Edgett and Herrell plan to retire next year toward the end of the season, handing over the director position to Spencer Peter.
“This will be our last exciting thing that we’ve honestly been waiting for for a long time,” Edgett said.
The Bear Center looks to increase fundraising efforts to cover the cost of the cubs’ transport and care, which could run up to about $25,000.
Individuals can donate via the North American Bear Center website.
