Ranch owners anticipate the upcoming season will be their most successful
LUCE COUNTY -- Three baby bear cubs are the newest addition to Oswald's Bear Ranch. They've been keeping Dean Oswald busy because he has to feed the bears every four hours. After two months of only feeding with a bottle, the baby bears are moved outside with the adult bears. Each bear eats about two to three gallons of food a day consisting mainly of fruit, vegetables and, of course, meat.
"Any of my bears I could probably take food away from them while they're eating except honey. You can't take honey away," said Oswald.
There are 27 bears in all at the Oswald's ranch, in close proximity to his home. But he insists he isn't afraid.
"No, never been afraid of a bear. That's why we rescue only cub bears here in the last 10 years; before that I took older bears,” Oswald said. “But for 10 years have been strictly cub bears. That way when I feed them, I’m with them everyday when they're probably three pounds."
The operation is entirely family run, which helps to keep the cost low for admittance--only $5 per car.
"Where are you going to go for $15 with your whole family and see 27 bears?" Oswald said.
Since Michigan law prohibits breeding or buying of black beers, the Oswalds rescue bear cubs from all over the United States.
And those who have enjoyed the ranch say the experience is well worth the time and the money.
"It's a unique experience that you get to have in the Eastern U.P. in Michigan,” said Naubinway resident Jomay Bomber. “Even to go and hold baby bear cubs and to see live bears up close in a safe way, it's a wonderful experience."
Oswald says he's looking forward to thousands of visitors this season. He's even made the prediction his ranch will beat the number of visitors at Tahquamenon Falls.
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