ORR- If the 40 or so black bears that wandered in for breakfast on Saturday at the viewing platform at Vince Shute Wildlife Sanctuary were startled by the sight of face-mask-wearing humans looking back at them, it didn’t show. Just watching them eating was enough for the humans to appear happy and excited.
As visitors gathered in the parking lot for the season’s first “Breakfast with the Bears” event, about half were wearing face masks, and more donned them as they boarded the bus for the short ride to the viewing platform.
Sanctuary staff marked off every other seat on the bus to enforce a measure of social distancing, necessitating an extra van to accommodate a few who couldn’t find seats on the bus.
The large number of bears spread out around the grounds helped to promote social distancing on the platform, as people could easily filter to different areas and still get good views.
However, it was also predictable that a crowd would gather when three cubs climbed the same tree, causing photographers to jockey fior the best angles for pictures.
Business was brisk inside the gift shop, where fruits, pastries, and beverages were served. Participants also received a commemorative mug.
Another “Breakfast with the Bears” will be offered in August. Details and registration are available online at www.americanbear.org.