Explore: Oswald’s Bear Ranch in Newberry, Michigan
(Crystal A. Proxmire, July 28, 2023)
Newberry, MI – One of my favorite places is Oswald’s Bear Ranch in Newberry, in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. It’s a 240 acre preserve for Michigan black bears, where the lovable creatures have plenty of room to roam, friends to cuddle and play with, and delicious apple slices tossed to them by excited human visitors. Cubs born in the preserve or brought in as rescues are raised to be gentle with humans, as they cannot be released in the wild. Visitors can pay to have their picture taken feeding a cub, which helps raise money for their care.
Oswald’s is the largest bear preserve in Michigan. Bears may come to the ranch from law enforcement agencies, or from other rescue situations, as well as breeding on site.
There are about 40 bears in the preserve, in large habitat areas that people can walk along the perimeter of. There are also observation decks, and the bears may come below the decks to raise on their hind legs to beg for apple slices, which they try to catch in their mouths mid-air.
When not feeling social, the creatures can find their own space among the trees and other natural features of the land.
On my visit I was amazed to watch a full-grown female bear climb a pine tree for a nap out on one of the boughs.
While not everyone loves them, zoos and preserves give people a way to see nature up close and appreciate it. I’ve been to Oswald’s a few times since they opened in 1997, and each time I’ve seen animals that are relaxed, happy, playful, and enjoying their space. The cubs I’ve seen crave snacks and petting similar to dogs, and I have seen the caretakers close the photo line when it’s time for the young ones to take a break. Facilities like Oswald’s are inspected and meet state standards, and provide a safe home for bears who have fewer and fewer wild areas to otherwise call home, while helping kids and adults to have a better appreciation for nature and conservation.
Oswald’s Bear Ranch is located at 13814 County Road 407 (H-37) in Newberry Michigan. Hours are seasonal and may vary. Check them out online at https://www.oswaldsbearranch.com/.
Check out places to Explore in Oakland County and beyond in the Oakland County Times Explore Index. We are currently looking for a sponsor for our Explore! series. If you’d like to help us do more stories like this, please contact editor@oc115.com for more info. Or you can make a donation to our website through PayPal.
