advertisement
10 June 2024
In a tale that seems straight out of a wildlife mystery novel, a young bear cub dubbed Buddy has left Arizona wildlife officials scratching their heads. Discovered in a Tucson neighborhood and subsequently placed at the Bearizona Wildlife Park in Williams, Buddy’s journey has raised more questions than answers.
One of the most puzzling aspects of Buddy’s story is his size. When he was rescued in December, he weighed a mere 15 pounds, a fraction of what would be expected for a bear cub of his age. Typically, bear cubs in the United States are born between January and February and should weigh around 70 pounds by the end of the year. Buddy’s diminutive stature suggests that he is much younger than his appearance indicates, prompting comparisons to an elf from a popular Christmas movie and earning him the fitting moniker “Buddy.”
The timing of Buddy’s discovery is also unusual. Bear cubs are not typically born in August or September, as it would have been for Buddy to be found in December. Such a scenario is practically unheard of in the world of bear biology, adding another layer of mystery to his origins.
Furthermore, Buddy’s comfort around humans has raised eyebrows among wildlife experts. Unlike most wild animals, who tend to avoid human contact, Buddy displays an unusual lack of fear and seems at ease in human company. This behavior has led to speculation that Buddy may have been illegally fed by humans for an extended period, potentially explaining both his comfort around people and his stunted growth.
The circumstances of Buddy’s arrival at Bearizona only deepen the mystery. Found in a Tucson neighborhood, far from his natural habitat in the Catalina Mountains, Buddy’s journey from the mountains to civilization is a baffling feat for a bear of his size. How he managed to traverse such a distance without falling prey to predators remains a perplexing question for wildlife officials.
Despite the many unknowns surrounding Buddy’s story, one thing is certain: he has found a safe haven at Bearizona. Thankfully, his unusual size and behavior did not result in euthanasia, and he now has the opportunity to live out his days in the high country. Visitors to Bearizona are welcome to meet Buddy and marvel at this enigmatic creature, whose story may forever remain shrouded in mystery.
advertisement
When most people think of Arizona, they picture deserts, saguaros, and red rock cliffs. Fishing is not usually the first thing that comes to mind. But Arizona quietly offers some of the most diverse and underrated fishing in the Southwest, with everything from mountain trout streams to desert reservoirs full of bass and catfish. Whether you are a weekend angler or just looking for a new outdoor hobby, Arizona has water, fish, and year-round opportunities. advertisement What You Can Catch in Arizona Arizona’s variety of elevations creates a wide range of fishing options. In the high country, cooler waters support
When people hear “snowbirds,” they usually picture retirees escaping icy northern winters for Arizona sunshine. But the state’s true snowbirds arrive on wings, not wheels. Every winter, Arizona becomes an unexpected hotspot for migrating birds from across North America. From massive white pelicans gliding over desert lakes to honking flocks of geese touching down in farm fields, Arizona transforms into a seasonal refuge for birds seeking warmer weather, open water, and reliable food sources. And yes, you can see them without leaving the desert. advertisement Why Birds Choose Arizona for the Winter Arizona may be known for cacti and red
Spring Training is drawing closer in Arizona, and that means more than baseball; it’s sunshine, easy day trips, incredible food, and some of the best desert scenery in the country. With 15 MLB teams playing across Greater Phoenix, visitors can catch a game and still have plenty of time for hiking, shopping, museums, and nightlife. advertisement Plan Around the Baseball Schedule Arizona’s Cactus League brings teams and ballparks close together, making it easy to see multiple games (and multiple stadiums) in one trip. Many games start in the daytime, leaving late afternoons and evenings wide open for exploring. Pick a
Flagstaff, Arizona, is internationally recognized for its commitment to protecting the night sky. Long before “dark sky” became a global movement, this mountain town was taking action to preserve its stars. Flagstaff’s dark sky advocacy is a combination of science, community planning, and environmental stewardship that has made it a model for cities around the world. advertisement A City Built Around the Stars Flagstaff’s relationship with the night sky dates back to the late 1800s, when astronomers were drawn to the area’s high elevation, clean air, and minimal light pollution. The founding of Lowell Observatory in 1894 cemented the city’s
