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The Bear Ranch in is Michigan's Upper Peninsula


I had a very unique visit at the bear ranch. I got to get inside one of the enclosures with the baby bears. All who know me know that this was a dream come true for me!!! I love bears and this was a special treat.

They were very friendly and wanted to play. One of them kept rolling on his belly to let me rub it for him. So soft and cuddly! I wish I could have one of my very own. He got one bear as a pet and that led to another and another. Soon he was taking in injured or abused bears from all around. Now he has 22 bears there on his ranch and I'm sure that number will rise. The bears are lucky they have a sanctuary like this to go to.

Critter The Bear!


This bears name was Critter. He was much bigger than the babies that I was playing with. The owner of the Bear Ranch, Dean Oswald, called the bears over to the fence for us. He fed them circus peanuts as treats! I was so suprised at that I laughed!! I just couldn't believe they ate circus peanuts.

This was the home of Tyson Bear. He was the largest black bear in the U.S. and possibly the world. Tyson unfortuneatly died on July 2, 2000 after a fight with another bear. Tyson won the fight but then died later of heart failure.

If you want to visit the bears you can follow these directions: It's 20 minutes south of Tahquamenon Falls, or from Newberry go 4 miles north M-123 towards Tahquamenon Falls. Turn left at 4 mile corner (Deer Park Rd., Muskallonge Lake, H-37 H-407). Then it's 4 1/2 more miles, you can follow the signs.
Open Memorial Day weekend thru Sept. 10 am to 8 pm - The Bear Ranch is only open in the summer time because the bears are hibernating during the winter months.
906-293-3147


Donations can be made to Bear Ranch with a good check or cash. He gets some support from the local restaurants that save scraps from dinner.

Thank you!!!!