A half dozen captive bears rescued by Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge in Carroll County are finding out what it is like to be wild bears inside their new constructed forest habitat.
Bears Adapting to New Habitat at Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge
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A rescued black bear prowls the perimeter of her woodland pond, while her habitat mate, a Russian brown bear, takes a dip.
Jacqueline Froelich / Ozarks at Large
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The bears share secure living quarters which have open access to two acres of forest.
Jacqueline Froelich / Ozarks at Large
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The constructed forest pond is deep enough for bears to submerge and swim.
Jacqueline Froelich / Ozarks At Large
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The wilderness habitat has accessible covered living quarters with heated concrete winter dens.
Jacqueline Froelich / Ozarks At Large
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Tanya Smith stands in front of the Jackson Memorial Veterinary Hospital built on the refuge in 2016.
Jacqueline Froelich / Ozarks At Large
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The hospitial has a surgery which can accomodate large animals.
Jacqueline Froelich / Ozarks At Large
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Tanya Smith stands along security fence surrounding the bears forest habitat.
Jacqueline Froelich / Ozarks At Large
