Animals
Black bear cubs snapped playing outside for first time since leaving their den
The cute North American black bear cubs were spotted testing out their climbing skills in the sunshine.
By Ben Turner via SWNS
These adorable black bear cubs clambered over trees and rolled in the grass as they played for the first time since leaving their den.
The siblings - aged three months - were watched over by their mother before taking a well-deserved nap.
It was the first time the four cubs had emerged from their den after being born on January 15 at Woburn Safari Park near Bedford, England.
The cute North American black bear cubs - the smallest of America's bear species - were spotted testing out their climbing skills in the sunshine.
Mother Phoenix is being fed with extra fish and fruit as she looks after her cubs, who are yet to be named or sexed.
The cubs are living separately from other bears at the park - including their father Xanthos - to allow them to grow in strength and confidence.
Chelsea, carnivores keeper at Woburn Safari Park said: "Phoenix is an experienced mother and as always she is doing a fantastic job of caring for her new cubs.
"All four of the new arrivals seem to be thriving and they’re definitely full of energy, so it looks like they’ll be keeping Phoenix busy for the next few months!
"Now that they’re beginning to venture out of the den more, we are all excited to watch their personalities begin to show.
"In time, they will meet the rest of the bears and their father Xanthos.”
Woburn Safari Park covers 300 acres and is home to more than 1,000 wild animals, including rhinos, giraffes and lions.