COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KKTV) – There are two different grizzly bears at the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo named Emmitt and Digger.

The zoo said Emmitt was 19 years old. Emmitt and Digger were adopted to the zoo in 2007 after being labeled ‘nuisance bears’ when they were around two or three years old.

Digger and Emmitt were labeled troublesome bears after several negative interactions with humans in the wild. The zoo has said many times that it is possible for ‘nuisance bears’ to be euthanized or relocated after receiving multiple “strikes.” Rather than meet this unfortunate fate, the zoo decided to adopt the two troubled twins to Rocky Mountain Wild at the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo.

“…They live active and comfortable lives, free from the temptations that get them into trouble in the wild,” the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo said. “They help guests learn how to keep wild bears wild by safely storing garbage and safely storing food in ‘bear country.”

During the winter months, the bears’ fluffy, thick fur and the extra weight they gain before winter keep them healthy and happy in the zoo. When bears get tired of the snow, they can access shelters and dry, comfortable bedding.

“Grizzlers are native to the Rocky Mountain region, although they are not found in the wilds of Colorado,” the zoo said in a statement.

According to the zoo, grizzly bears do not generally hibernate; instead, they gain enough weight to keep them satisfied during the cold winter seasons. Instead, grizzly bears experience “torpor” in winter.

“In torpor, body systems slow down and animals can sleep more but still wake up. The zoo said in the summer and fall our grizzly bears want to eat, eat, eat. “As the weather gets colder, they become less interested in eating and have less energy, but still They are very active at the Zoo.”

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