The Korkeasaari Zoo in Finland has reported that its bears have emerged from hibernation not due to the warming sun of early spring, but because of the sound of water running from a broken pipe in their winter quarters. While the bears had settled into hibernation last November, they experienced fragmented sleep due to unseasonably warm temperatures followed by a cold snap, leading them to retreat to their den for warmth. The broken water pipe, which broke due to the fluctuating weather, created a noise that disrupted their hibernation, although the den remained dry and usable.

Animal caretaker Susan Nuurtila noted that this season, the bears did not experience long, uninterrupted hibernation periods. Observations from a den camera indicated that the bears frequently woke to stretch and were provided with light snacks during their intermittent wakefulness. They occasionally peeked outside but chose to return to their den, a clear indicator of their instinctual need for warmth and rest during the colder months, despite the disruption.

This unusual event highlights the resilience of wildlife in urban environments and raises questions about the impacts of climate variability on animal behaviors. As weather patterns shift and evolve, zoos and wildlife facilities must adapt their practices to ensure the well-being of their inhabitants, making this incident a valuable learning opportunity for animal care professionals in Finland and beyond.