CHOIS Connection is published quarterly by Christian Homeschoolers Of Idaho State.
This article appeared in a previous issue.
CHOIS Connection
Discovering Idaho
by Connie Seward
"Yellowstone Bear World:
A Field Trip on the Wild Side"
Summer 2008
Would your family enjoy safely viewing adult bears up close in their natural habitat, or bottle feeding a bear cub or tiny fawn? Then put Yellowstone Bear World at the top of your "to do" list this summer! Located right off US Highway 20 on your way to, or from Yellowstone National Park, Yellowstone Bear World, offers some things that the National Park doesn't. For starters, the heavy tourist and automobile congestion is absent, but the wild animals aren't. Nestled on a one hundred and twenty acre nature preserve, the abundant North American animals can be easily spotted. While you leisurely drive the three mile loop, the critters will often come as close as your car door.
In 1998, Michael Ferguson lamented the fact that it was getting very difficult to see animals at close range in Yellowstone National Park as he had done as a boy. Then he had the idea of opening an educational animal preserve where injured or abandoned wildlife could get a new start on life and families could learn about forest creatures. This year as Yellowstone Bear World celebrates their 10th anniversary, you can see Artic wolves, elk, deer, bison, moose, and both grizzly and black bear in a natural setting. The playful antics of young bears living in the cub yard will make you laugh. Baby fawns, elk calves and tame barnyard creatures can be cuddled in the petting zoo. There is a waterway where you can stroll while feeding the ducks and cutthroat and rainbow trout. For the young, there are a small collection of amusement rides which are free with general admission. In doors, there is the Three Bears Gift Shop which offers a chance to browse for animal themed products, clothing and homemade fudge. At the Hungry Bear café, you can enjoy a refreshing cold drink and a bite to eat. Outside, you will also find tables with awnings for a picnic lunch.
Yellowstone Bear World offers additional ways to learn about the wild life. On the Curator Tour, you will ride in a unique open deck, atop a specially designed truck. Here you will have the opportunity to feed adult bears. During the Bottle-feeding Experience, you can have a once in life time opportunity of feeding a baby bear. Up to 3 times per day, children & adults have the chance to help the staff feed the cubs. You will also receive a picture of you feeding the bear cub. This is a very popular event among visitors. There is usually room for you and your family to help feed the baby bears; however, space cannot be guaranteed unless reservations are made ahead of time. Sign-ups for bottle-feeding are accepted by phone on the Reservation Hotline as well as during your visit. For additional information, reservations and times call the reservation hotline or visit the information booth during your visit to Yellowstone Bear World.
Additionally, numerous volunteer and internship positions are available to students on an application basis. Openings cover a wide variety of interests and skill levels. Volunteer opportunities are available to those 16 years and older. Internship positions are open to university and graduate students.
Yellowstone Bear World accommodates all vehicles including: travel trailers, motor homes, and tour buses. Semi-trucks & motorcycles can be accommodated with the help of a furnished loaner vehicle.
OPEN WEEKENDS MID APRIL TO MID MAY
OPEN FULL TIME, MID MAY TO MID OCTOBER
(7 days a week 9am MST - 6pm) through Labor Day. After Labor Day Bear World Closes at 5:00pm)
Admission Price: Adults $16.95, Seniors $15.95, Children 3-10 $12.95, Children 2 & under free
Admission Price includes amusement rides and unlimited tours through the park. For Curator Tours and Bottle Feeding Experience, additional rates apply.
*DISCOUNT COUPONS: Printable discount admission coupons are available on the web at www.YellowstoneBearWorld.com
- Group Rate (15 or more people) $10.50 per person
- Educational Bus Tour (non profit school tour) $2.00 per person on bus (driver free)
- A guide of the park can be made available with 24 hour notice for larger groups, bus & motor coaches.
- Curator Tour: $11.95 per person (In addition to admission price)
- Tours every hour, seven days a week, from 10 am until 5 pm.
- Sorry, no advanced reservations accepted
- Bottle Feeding Experience: $50 per person (In addition to admission price - includes photos of experience)
- Daily Feeding Times: 11:00 AM, 2:00 PM, 5:00 PM
- Reservation Hotline: (208) 243-2273
- Reservations Recommended - First Come, First Served
- Additional information is available through info@yellowstonebearworld.com
- Courtney Ferguson
- PO Box 160
- Rexburg, ID 83440
- Phone: 208-359-9688
- Fax: 208-9732
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