In Antalya, bears didn’t hibernate due to the winter sun

Brown bears in Antalya’s Natural Life Park did not hibernate.

The brown bear family living in Antalya’s Natural Life Park has not entered hibernation this winter. Due to the region's mild winter conditions, the bears attract visitors’ attention with their relaxed and lazy behavior.

Located in a 650-hectare forest area in the Kepez district, the park is home to around 1,400 animals from 127 species. Among them is a family of seven brown bears whose seasonal habits have been altered by Antalya’s warm climate. Instead of hibernating, the bears have spent this mild winter in a state of passive laziness.

NOT HIBERNATION, BUT WINTER LAZINESS

Aygül Arsun, Director of Antalya Natural Life Park, explained that the brown bear family is one of the park’s most popular attractions. Each bear has a name, and their caretakers call them by these names. The bears enjoy cooler weather, spend their summer days in the pool, and lazily rest in the warm winter sun.

“Bears, as you know, are animals that usually hibernate in winter. However, Antalya’s mild winter climate keeps them from doing so. While we don’t see typical hibernation behavior, they spend the season in a state of relaxed drowsiness. Their lazy demeanor fascinates visitors,” Arsun added.

The bear family, named Teddy, Bobo, Tembel, Little Bear, Glasses, Maya, and Grandpa, has drawn attention for their slow behavior during the mild winter. They eat lying down, roll around, and bask in the sun. According to park officials, this lazy behavior increases visitors' interest. When the weather warms up, the bears exhibit social behavior, wrestling and playing by the pool.