Hibernation 2026-2027
The center will be shutting down for the hibernation period starting November 4th, 2026, and leading up to that date, you might see the bears less active as their metabolism slows. The parking lot in front of the center will be closed starting November 6th. The bears will be up and active again towards the end of March.
Ever wonder what happens during hibernation, the prep that leads up to it, and the reasons why we do it? Watch this short video to learn more.
Visiting Info
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. 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 mealtime.
Buses and Large Groups
Please be aware that the parking lot at the center is a shared-use lot. Buses are not advised to park in the lot; it is a small parking lot. If other vehicles are already parked in the lot, buses may not be able to park or turn around. We can not have traffic backing up onto Terra View, and we can not block off spots for visiting groups.
Be advised that there are no public facilities at the center.