The WNC Nature Center has announced their schedule for the 2019 Brews and Bears season. On the second Friday of each month, from 5:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m., there will be food, drink, music, and yard games, and guests will get to watch an enrichment activity for the Nature Center’s resident black bears, Uno and Ursa.
The American black bear, Ursus americanus, is the only bear species native to North Carolina. At the WNC Nature Center, Uno and Ursa continue to be ambassadors for the American black bears in this area. They were removed from the wild for unknown reasons and lack survival skills. Therefore, they cannot be released into the wild. They prefer to den separately in the summer but enjoy sharing a den for winter torpor. On hot summer days, Uno and Ursa splash in their habitat’s pool and enjoy enrichment such as frozen fish, fruit, and ice popsicles.
“Brews and Bears is the perfect happy hour fundraiser that lets guests explore the Nature Center after hours while supporting the wildlife they love,” said Kate Frost, Director of Development at Friends of the WNC Nature Center. “You can also take your pint with you and visit the newest addition to the WNC Nature Center – our red pandas, Leafa and Phoenix.”
Admission to Brews & Bears is $8 for Friends of the WNC Nature Center members and $10 for non-members. The event is intended primarily for adults, although youth are welcome to attend with the purchase of a ticket. Children 2 and under are free. Tickets can be purchased in advance at https://www.wncnaturecentergifts.org/brews-and-bears. Proceeds from both ticket and beverage sales go to the Friends of the WNC Nature Center and help support various programs throughout the park, including animal enrichment and habitat renovations.
Beer, cider or wine, and food will be available for purchase at each event. Here is the 2019 summer schedule.
May 10, 2019
Beer: Highland Brewing
Cider: Black Mountain Cider + Mead
Food Truck: Brinehaus Meat+Provision Food Truck
Others: Blunt Pretzels, The Hop Ice Cream
June 14, 2019
Beer: New Belgium Brewing
Cider: Black Mountain Cider + Mead
Food Truck: Cecilia’s Kitchen
Others: Blunt Pretzels; Sun’s Out, Buns Out Hot Dogs; The Hop Ice Cream
July 12, 2019
Beer: UpCountry Brewing
Mead/Wine: Black Mountain Cider + Mead, Plēb Urban Winery
Food Truck: Gypsy Queen Cuisine
Others: Blunt Pretzels; Sun’s Out, Buns Out Hot Dogs; The Hop Ice Cream
August 9, 2019
Beer: Oskar Blues Brewing
Cider: Black Mountain Cider + Mead
Food Truck: Appalachian Chic
Others: Blunt Pretzels; Sun’s Out, Buns Out Hot Dogs; The Hop Ice Cream
