Any parent knows the outsized joy that ensues when you first introduce your kid to the concept of bubble baths. They look delightful, they feel great, and they are even more fun to play in than regular baths —and who would have thought that was possible? But did you know that humans are not the only ones who find bubble baths to be a particular source of joy?
See for example these two Louisiana black bears having the time of their lives in a bubble bath at the Audubon Zoo in Louisiana.
In this video, a pair of young Louisiana black bears are frolicking in a bubble bath placed in their enclosure for entertainment and enrichment. They bat at the bubbles, attempt to taste the froth, enjoy the feeling of the foam on their fur, and eventually jump all the way into the bathtub.
Related: Bear Breaks Into California School Classroom Like He’s Got Homework to Finish
It’s a cute display and clearly a curiosity for the animals, who are rescued orphaned juvenile bears who cannot be returned to the wild. Two were rescued as cubs from Alaska in 2022 after being found alone outside a den. The third is a native Louisiana black bear who was also rescued as a cub a year earlier.
What Is a Louisiana Black Bear?
Louisiana black bears are a subspecies of black bear that live along the Mississippi River valley in Louisiana and nearby areas. There are at least sixteen recognized subspecies of the North American black bear, some of which are more recognizable as distinct populations than others. For example, the “cinnamon” bears of the Rocky Mountains are black bears, despite their reddish brown fur. Fur color is not actually an indication of the bear’s species, and can vary even within the population.
Louisiana black bears (Ursus americanus luteolus) are most often black, and have long, narrow snouts. Their numbers are greatly diminished due to hunting and habitat destruction, but they are no longer federally protected under the Endangered Species Act. Nevertheless, the animal remains the State Mammal of Louisana and only a limited number of bear-hunting permits are given every year for its hunting season, which occurs for a few weeks in December, in order to retain a healthy breeding population.
Bears and Water
Bears, like people, are terrestrial animals, but like people they love to swim. Cooling off in water is one of a bear’s favorite pastimes in the hot summer months and you can often find bears climbing into tubs and backyard pools, napping in streams, or otherwise relaxing in the water. Bears also like to hunt for fish, and will stand in rivers and streams just like a fisherman waiting for. a catch. It’s little surprise that the addition of bubbles is even more fun for a water-loving bear.
“Reminds me of when my cat was a kitten!” Says one person in comments. “She was obsessed with the bubbles in my baths and would cry till I ran a bath for her to play with.”
In order to add to the enrichment for these bears, the zookeepers surrounded the rim of the tub with a bit of strawberry jam. Tasty and clean!
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