Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring my pet?
Yes! Pets are welcome to accompany you through the drive-through portion of Bear Country USA as you enjoy the wildlife from the comfort of your own vehicle.
However, animals are not permitted in the walk-through portion of the park. For your convenience, we do provide a designated green space where you may walk your pet after your drive. All animals must remain on a leash at all times while on park property.
If you choose to leave your pet in your vehicle while you explore the Wildlife Walkway, please be sure that weather conditions are safe and appropriate to do so.
We appreciate your cooperation in helping us keep both your pets and our animals safe, and we look forward to your visit!
What about service or companion animals?
While they are welcome to accompany you through the drive-through portion of Bear Country USA, unfortunately, for the safety and wellbeing of our animals and yours, no animals of any kind are permitted in the Wildlife Walkway area.
For additional clarification regarding service animals under the ADA, please refer to Question 26 of the ADA Frequently Asked Questions, which addresses situations involving service animals in environments where their presence may fundamentally alter the nature of the goods or services provided.
We appreciate your understanding as we work to ensure a safe environment for both our guests and the animals in our care.
When are the animals fed?
In general, most of our animals are fed in the morning. However, feeding times may vary depending on a variety of factors, including veterinary care, habitat management, weather, or other operational needs. Their health and wellbeing always come first, so schedules can be adjusted as necessary.
Our bears are fed throughout the day on a variable schedule rather than at a single set feeding time.
Because feeding routines may change, we cannot guarantee that you will see a feeding during your visit, but every day at Bear Country USA offers something unique to observe!
How long does it take to go through the park?
The length of your visit can vary depending on several factors, including traffic levels, the time of day, and how long you choose to spend observing the animals.
When traffic is light, most guests spend about an hour enjoying the drive-through wildlife park. After the drive, many visitors spend another hour or so exploring the Wildlife Walkway and browsing the gift shop.
Every visit to Bear Country USA is self-paced, so you can take your time and experience the park at whatever speed feels right for you.
Please note that the park closes 1½ hours after the final ticket is sold at the front gate. If you think you may want extra time to fully enjoy your visit, we recommend arriving earlier in the day rather than at the last ticket sale.
Do the bears hibernate in the winter?
Bears naturally enter a period of winter dormancy, often referred to as hibernation, when temperatures drop and natural food sources become scarce. However, what bears experience is more accurately described as torpor — a state of reduced activity and slowed metabolism rather than a continuous, months-long sleep.
In the wild, winter activity varies depending on climate and food availability. Bears in northern regions with long, harsh winters tend to den for longer periods, while bears in milder climates may den for shorter durations or become active during warm winter days. It’s not unusual for a wild bear to leave its den temporarily during a mid-winter warm spell.
At Bear Country USA, our bears follow similar natural patterns. During colder months, they typically spend more time resting in their dens, but they do not follow a strict, uninterrupted hibernation schedule. On milder winter days, you may still see them up and moving about.
As always, their health and wellbeing are closely monitored by our animal care team throughout the season.