During the non-hibernating period (approximately April-October), the bears are visible from a viewing area in the parking lot, where anyone can view the bears foraging or playing in the exercise yard, splashing in their pool, or lounging in their outside runs.
Presently, there are no bear viewings inside the building, formal tours of the Bear Center, or scheduled educational programs. However, dedicated and structured public education missions will be a large part of the proposed International Bear Center at WSU.
Email: bearinfo@wsu.edu
Tips for visiting
Our center is not set up like a zoo, there is no visitor center or people giving tours. However, there is a parking lot out front of our facility that allows for great self-viewing of the bears in their exercise yard. The bears are rotated out daily so it’s different bears on different days and times. Bears are most active on cooler days and in the morning and evening time. We also try to feed around 7:30 am and 3 pm. The bears are fed inside but after feeding are normally up and moving around. If you are around an hour before these times you will often see the bears up and moving around as they anticipate their meal time.
5/6/24 – 5/10/24 Construction
The Bear Center will be doing some upgrades to the bear living area. During this time there will be construction crews working in the bear area and using the parking lot out in front. Bears will be in the yard, but bears that would otherwise be out in their runs might be inside at this time. Please Bear with us.
3/29/24 The Bears are Back in Town
The bears are awake from hibernation and are able to be viewed out in their exercise yard. Different bear social groups will be rotated throughout the day. The bears will also still have access to the inside areas as well, so if you don’t see them out they could just be lounging inside. Remember cooler weather makes for the best viewing.