FOUR PAWS

Did you know Arctic foxes like our charming Wukk change their fur twice a year? 🦊❄️🌿

These incredible animals undergo a seasonal coat change in spring and fall to perfectly blend into their surroundings.

Arctic foxes that live in areas where the snow completely disappears in summer usually have brown or grey fur, while those in northern regions where snow remains year-round tend to keep their white fur even in summer to blend into their surroundings. 🤍

Wukk, our beautiful male Arctic fox, arrived at TIERART Wild Animal Sanctuary in 2022 after being rescued from illegal private keeping in Austria. He was first lovingly cared for at the Vösendorf animal shelter before finding his forever home with us. 🏡

Since then, Wukk has been thriving under the dedicated care of our amazing team. 💚

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FOUR PAWS

Cold days ahead? Your pup doesn’t have to shiver through them! ❄️🐶

What keeps us safe in winter — like road salt and gravel — can actually harm your dog’s paws and skin. 🚫🐾

With a few simple tweaks — from protecting their paws to adjusting their walks — you can keep your best friend happy and healthy all season long. ✨💛

Learn more ➡️ www.four-paws.org/our-stories/publications-guides/…

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FOUR PAWS

Did you know that in the wilderness, brown bears retreat into small stone caves or dens to hibernate? ❄️🏔️

They are masters at digging – and carefully preparing their cosy hideouts with straw, branches, and leaves. 🍂

Usually, bears begin hibernating between October and December, and their rest can last up to six months!

💤 To save energy during this resting period, the animals lower their heart rate, slow down their breathing and hardly move.

Because they can lose up to 40% of their body weight, a thick layer of fat helps protect them - keeping their muscles strong until spring returns. 💪

Experienced caretakers at the FOUR PAWS sanctuaries and cooperation projects help the bears gain this protective layer. From early autumn onwards, they offer nutrient-rich foods like nuts, berries, and seeds so the bears can build up their protective fat reserves. 🫐🌰

Unlike hedgehogs, who fall into a deep sleep, brown bears experience a lighter form of hibernation - a state called torpor. 🐻💤

If disturbed, they can become quickly mobile and reactive. Our caretakers provide the bears with everything needed to allow them to hibernate, including dens, bedding material and a seasonally adapted diet.

They track the bears ' individual hibernation patterns and preferences to adjust the care to the bears' needs.


#BrownBear #Hibernation #FOURPAWSsanctuaries

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11 hours ago | [YT] | 428

FOUR PAWS

🎄✨ Don’t get too caught up in work this holiday season!
Take a moment to slow down, unwind, and spend quality time with the ones who mattermost — just like our adorable trio Ema , Oska, and Ron at BEAR SANCTUARY Prishtina. 🐻

These three best friends remind us of what truly matters — companionship, care, and enjoying the simple moments together. 💚 Whether they’re playing in the snow, sharing a snack, or relaxing side by side, they show us the beauty of connection and peace.

So this festive season, take a page out of their book:
🌲 Make time for your loved ones.
🌟 Cherish laughter and togetherness.
🐻 And remember to appreciate life’s quiet, cozy moments.

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FOUR PAWS

✨🐅❄️ From Slovakia to South Africa, Snow the tigress now enjoys every day in our LIONSROCK Sanctuary where every sunrise feels like a roar of hope! 🌍💛

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FOUR PAWS

While we are adding layers of clothes to survive the Winter, some aren’t exactly bothered by the cold and surely don’t fear a few (meters of) snow... 🐻

Most of our rescued bears are getting ready for hibernation in their cozy dens, so we thought you might enjoy this selection of our best photos of them enjoying the cold months, whilst we wait for them to wake up next Spring ❄️



Tell us which one is your favourite! ⬇️

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FOUR PAWS

🎁 Animals are not gifts!
Giving an animal means giving away a life — along with the responsibility for proper care, suitable food, vet visits, and more.
If you’d like to share your love for animals, consider a sponsorship or donation instead. 🐕🐈🐟

🍫 Choose cruelty-free festive foods.
Warm up the cold days with delicious vegan treats and try out some animal-friendly recipes. 🌿

🧣 Gift with compassion.
Avoid items made with fur or down — these come at a cost to animals. Check labels and choose ethical, cruelty-free materials instead. 🪶

🔗 Find more tips and ideas on our website ➡️

www.four-paws.org/our-stories/publications-guides/…

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FOUR PAWS

❄️🐾 Winter Pet Care Tips! 🐾❄️
As winter sets in, pet owners may find themselves concerned about keeping their animals safe during this chilly season. Does the dog need to wear a jacket or coat? Should the rabbit come into the house? Is it still safe for the cat to go outdoors? Fortunately, caring for dogs, cats, and other pets during winter is easier than you might think.

🐶 Dogs
✅ Short, frequent walks > long ones in freezing temps.
✅ Protect paws from salt & ice — wash after walks!
✅ Cold-sensitive pups? Add a comfy coat.
✅ Keep grooming — it helps with dry skin.

🐱 Cats
✅ Outdoor cats need extra food + shelter from wind.
✅ Indoors? Provide warm spots & gentle humidity.
✅ Stay visible — darker days mean lower visibility!

🐰 Small Pets
✅ Insulate hutches & block cold drafts.
✅ Extra hay = extra warmth.
✅ Check water often — it freezes fast!

✨ A little extra care keeps tails wagging all winter long! Discover more tips here: www.four-paws.org/our-stories/publications-guides/…

#WinterPetCare #PetSafety #HappyPets #WinterTips

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FOUR PAWS

It may look like a miracle, but this Christmas tree is only the wonderful work of our caretakers in BEAR SANCTUARY Prishtina!

You may not recognise him, but the little bear enjoying this cleverly built activity is... Dori! 🐻 Arrived as a cub earlier this year, he has been carefully monitored and taken care of in our bear sanctuary in Kosovo. And least is to say that our team on site does not shy away from being creative when it comes to building enrichments for the animals! ⭐

From a beary special Christmas tree to paw-licking delicious decoration on Dori's bear house, we strongly advise you to not miss a slide!🎄

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4 days ago | [YT] | 1,415

FOUR PAWS

UPDATE: Two Bears – One Future! 🐻🌍🐻 #EmergencyMissionArgentina

Remember Gordo and Florencia? Both bears arrived at the former Zoo Luján as cubs and have spent most of their lives there. 🐾 Originally, they shared the same enclosure but were separated after a short time to prevent breeding. 🔒

Gordo is a large bear who will need to shed some weight in the future and is well known for his gentle nature and playful character. Florencia, on the other hand, is described by her caretakers as calm and sensitive. 💖

We’ve already announced that, with the cooperation of the authorities and the former zoo owner, we’ve found a new home for these two bears at our BEAR SANCTUARY Belitsa in Bulgaria – and we’re thrilled to bring them there! 🇧🇬✨

However, rescues like this involve immense efforts, like logistical arrangements and mountains of paperwork. 📄 Rest assured, we’re still working tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure Gordo and Florencia make their way to our sanctuary as soon as possible! In the meantime, both bears receive the best care we can give them under the current circumstances, including fun enrichment! ⏳

Our team is hard at work around the clock - crate training has already begun while bear-appropriate transport crates are being built in Argentina as you read this post. 🐻

If you can, please consider contributing to their fresh start in life. 🙌 We can’t wait to see them flourish, play, and explore their new enclosures soon! 🌿🎉

➡️ bit.ly/argentina-bears-rescue

📸: © FOUR PAWS | Hristo Vladev & © FOUR PAWS.

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