Tired Sanctuary Bears in the Running for “Sleepiest Bear of 2024”

March is usually associated with basketball fever, but for those not drawn to the court, there’s a unique alternative to the bracket madness: the March Napness competition hosted by Four Paws USA. This extraordinary event celebrates the natural behavior of bears.

In its second consecutive year, March Napness invites spectators to follow the slumbering journey of 23 bears hailing from sanctuaries across Switzerland, Austria, Kosovo, Germany, Bulgaria, and Ukraine. These bears aren’t just ordinary nappers; they’re competitors vying for the esteemed title of Sleepiest Bear of 2024. The bears participating in March Napness were rescued by Four Paws from various distressing circumstances, including bear baiting, dancing bear shows, and other forms of exploitation. Many of these bears, upon arrival at Four Paws sanctuaries, experienced hibernation for the first time, a testament to their newfound freedom and the care provided by dedicated staff.

One bear in the running is Mark, a 26-year-old rescued from Albania, where he languished in a tiny cage, forced to attract customers to a restaurant. After his rescue and relocation to a sanctuary in Austria, Mark experienced hibernation for the first time in his life, marking a poignant milestone in his journey to recovery and well-being. The March Napness roster features bears of varying ages and backgrounds, each with their own unique stories of resilience and adaptation. Weekly updates on Four Paws’ social media platforms keep fans informed about the progress of their favorite competitors, adding an element of suspense and excitement to the competition.

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