Bear cubs play on the rocks together at Yellowstone Bear World.

Bear cubs play on the rocks together at Yellowstone Bear World.

Yellowstone Bear World is holding a community event, the “Hibernation Hoedown,” this weekend and next weekend on Oct. 1, 2, 8 and 9. Both Saturdays and Sundays, attendees can receive admission to the wildlife park for half price by growling like a bear at the ticket stand.

“We’re usually full packed. We’ll probably see over a thousand people,” said Grace Latham, director of sales and marketing at Yellowstone Bear World.

The park features over 70 bears — four grizzlies and more than 65 American black bears, Latham said.

“We have anything that you would find in Yellowstone, such as our bison, elk, white-tailed deer, mule deer, moose and our petting zoo animals as well — goats, pigs, chickens and peacocks.”

The annual Fall Forage Hunt will be held all four days and features over 10,000 items in prizes including candy, Yellowstone Bear World merchandise, and $500 in cash.

“It’s basically an Easter egg hunt but with stuffed pumpkins and other prizes. We’ll have cash prizes, free fudge, free ice cream cones, and small gifts from the gift shop,” said Latham.

Children up to 10 years old can participate. The hunt starts at 3:00 p.m., although organizers recommend arriving by 1:30 p.m.

After the park closes for the year, employees will place cement dens around the park where the bears can hibernate.

“Right now, they’re going to start gathering their leaves and picking dibs about who gets to be where,” Latham said.

Family group wildlife excursions will be available both days for half price.

“(On the excursions) you are in a large truck. You kind of get a birds-eye view of the park. You’re driven through the park with a handler on board who tells you fun facts and stories about the animals,” Latham said. “Throughout the drive, you have several stops where you get to throw treats to the animals. I have alfalfa cubes that you get to give to the elk and the deer. Then you’ll go through the grizzlies and you’ll have jerky, bread and baked treats.”

The event will also feature a Bear Den Straw Maze, where young explorers can search for a bear cubs’ den, spud chucking, a straw climbing mountain and more.

“It’s fun for the kids, the families, it’s a great time to get out,” Latham said. “It’s just a joy to experience the animals with your kids. You get to have quality bonding time.”

During both weekends, community pass holders can enter for 75% off the normal rate. According to Yellowstone Bear World’s Facebook page, that means community pass members can attend for $3.25 for children and $6.25 for adults. The park gives out community passes during the “Cub Palooza” event, the first two weekends that they are open every year.

“(Local guests) are able to use those cards throughout the entire season that we’re open and get their half off rate,” said Latham. “It’s a way to give back to the locals, the people that aren’t traveling and doing a one time stop.”

Yellowstone Bear World is located five miles south of Rexburg on U.S. Highway 20. It can be accessed from exit 328. It is open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. from Sept. 6 to Oct. 16. and from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. May 28 to Sept. 5. The wildlife park will close for the season on Oct. 16.

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