The Ramona Wildlife Center's two black bear cubs are enjoying an unusual treat: a 467-pound pumpkin grown and donated by an Escondido-based family, the Bushes. As reported by the San Diego Union-Tribune, the gigantic pumpkin serves not only as sustenance for the cubs but also as a unique source of entertainment, keeping them engaged.
Through the COVID-19 pandemic, the Bush family discovered they had a knack for growing giant pumpkins. However, in early September, their pumpkin ceased growing, presenting the family with the task of figuring out how to put it to good use. Assisted by TV station KPBS, they connected with the Ramona Wildlife Center and the San Diego Humane Society's Project Wildlife, and the giant pumpkin found a new home with the young cubs. The cubs have resided at the center since July when they were found near their deceased mother in the San Bernardino National Forest.
A representative from the Ramona Wildlife Center, Autumn Nelson, stressed that enrichment activities are essential to provoke bears to exhibit natural behaviors. While black bear cubs typically feed on acorns and vegetation, the supersized pumpkin invites exploration and play in an original way. A tweet from the San Diego Humane Society reveals the cubs energetically interacting with their nutritious prize within their enclosure.
#MonsterPumpkinDelivery Into the morning, the bear cubs kept going, playing with their new giant pumpkin. Enrichment that allows these bears to exhibit natural behaviors is key. Our Project Wildlife team hopes to return the siblings to the wild early next year. pic.twitter.com/a0JYi9Ifkf
— San Diego Humane Society (@sdhumane) November 7, 2023
The Bush family grows rare horticultural samples, and through donations to the Ramona Wildlife Center, it supports the care of animals. Contributions to the center include not only food like fruits and vegetables but also unusual items like fur coats for baby animal bedding.
