Short Winter's Nap

I had the chance to visit the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center in Portage (about an hour south of Anchorage) today for the first time. I was assigned to cover this week's Assignment Alaska, a segment each Friday that airs in our NewsHour (6pm show) because the bears in captivity had awakened from hibernation, earlier than usual. We had a warm spell in late February with temperatures in the low 40s and it rained. Apparently, that's what first woke up the bears. But they'll usually go back to sleep. Not this year. And the twist? It snowed three feet in Portage over the past couple of days... so the bears are out in the snow. Very rare opportunity to see that!

Snapped a few photos throughout the day. My photog for the day, Kyle, did a great job on the story. To see it, click here.




The drive back from Portage to Anchorage...